-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HoJl0dY7y2cpuNnENwlM9sk357Dq5BIdXVkkLmXcq+s5i0bJoFPO7H52NBHE23kZ 2C02nWS++hqEOukOxOxASw== 0000930661-99-000792.txt : 19990413 0000930661-99-000792.hdr.sgml : 19990413 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000930661-99-000792 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13E4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990412 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SUPREME INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000350846 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TRUCK & BUS BODIES [3713] IRS NUMBER: 751670945 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13E4 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-33170 FILM NUMBER: 99591581 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 65140 US 33 E STREET 2: PO BOX 237 CITY: GOSHEN STATE: IN ZIP: 46526 BUSINESS PHONE: 2196423070 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 237 STREET 2: 65140 U S 33 EAST CITY: GOSHEN STATE: IN ZIP: 46526 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: EXPLORATION SURVEYS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19850813 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SUPREME INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000350846 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TRUCK & BUS BODIES [3713] IRS NUMBER: 751670945 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13E4 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 65140 US 33 E STREET 2: PO BOX 237 CITY: GOSHEN STATE: IN ZIP: 46526 BUSINESS PHONE: 2196423070 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 237 STREET 2: 65140 U S 33 EAST CITY: GOSHEN STATE: IN ZIP: 46526 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: EXPLORATION SURVEYS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19850813 SC 13E4 1 SCHEDULE 13E-4 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13E-4 ISSUER TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(e)(1) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934) SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. (NAME OF ISSUER) SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. (NAME OF PERSON FILING STATEMENT) COMMON SHARES, $.10 PAR VALUE (TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES) 868607102 (CUSIP NUMBER OF CLASS OF SECURITIES) HERBERT M. GARDNER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. P.O. BOX 237 65140 U.S. 33 EAST GOSHEN, IN 46526 (219) 642-3070 (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PERSON(S) FILING STATEMENT) WITH A COPY TO: VERNON E. REW, Jr. LAW, SNAKARD & GAMBILL, P.C. 3200 BANK ONE TOWER 500 THROCKMORTON STREET FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102 (817) 878-6307 APRIL 12, 1999 (DATE TENDER OFFER FIRST PUBLISHED, SENT OR GIVEN TO SECURITY HOLDERS) CALCULATION OF FILING FEE ------------------------- TRANSACTION VALUATION* AMOUNT OF FILING FEE** ---------------------- ---------------------- $20,000,000 $4,000 * For the purpose of calculating the filing fee only, this amount is based on the purchase of 2,000,000 Common Shares of Supreme Industries, Inc. at $10.00 per share. **The amount of the filing fee equals 1/50th of one percent (1%) of the value of the securities to be acquired. [_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. Amount Previously Paid: Not applicable Filing party: Not applicable. Form or Registration No.: Not applicable Date Filed: Not applicable. This Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 (this "Schedule 13E-4") relates to the offer by Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to purchase up to 2,000,000 (or such lesser number as are properly tendered) of its Common Stock, $.10 par value (the "Shares"), at prices not greater than $10.00 per Share and not less than $8.75 per Share, net to the seller in cash, without interest thereon, as specified by the stockholders tendering their Shares, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1998 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and in the related Letter of Transmittal (the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, collectively, as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer"). The Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal are filed as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(2) hereto, respectively. ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER. (a) The name of the issuer is Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the address of its principal executive offices is P.O. Box 237, 65140 U.S. 33 East, Goshen, Indiana 46526. (b) The title of the securities that are the subject of the Offer is the Company's Common Stock, $.10 par value. There were 11,501,633 combined total Shares outstanding on April 7, 1999. The information set forth under the heading "Introduction" in the Offer to Purchase and in Sections 1 -10 of the Offer to Purchase is incorporated by reference herein. The Offer is for up to 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of shares as are properly tendered), at prices not greater than $10.00 per Share and not less than $8.75 per Share, net to the seller in cash, without interest thereon, as specified by the stockholders tendering their Shares. The Offer is being made to all holders of Shares, including directors, officers, and affiliates of the Company. The Company is not aware of any of its directors, officers, or affiliates that will be tendering Shares pursuant to the Offer. (c) Information with respect to the principal market for, and the price range of, the Shares is set forth under the heading "Introduction" in the Offer to Purchase and in "Section 7. Price Range of Shares; Dividends" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. (d) This statement is filed by the Company, the issuer of the securities. ITEM 2. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION. (a) Information with respect to the source and amount of funds to be used for the purchase of Shares in the Offer is set forth under the heading "Introduction" in the Offer to Purchase and "Section 8. Source and Amount of Funds" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. (b) A summary of the loan arrangement containing the identity of the parties, the term, the collateral, the stated and effective interest rates, and other material terms or conditions relative to such loan arrangement is set forth in the Commitment Letter attached hereto as EXHIBIT b(1) of this Schedule 13E-4, which is incorporated by reference herein, the arrangements to repay such borrowing under the loan arrangement described in the Commitment Letter is set forth under the heading "Section 8. Source and Amount of Funds" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 3. PURPOSE OF THE TENDER OFFER AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR AFFILIATE. Information with respect to the purpose of the Offer and the planned disposition of the Shares and the possible effects of the Offer is set forth under the heading "Introduction" in the Offer to Purchase and "Section 2. Purpose of the Offer; Certain Effects of the Offer" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. Other than as indicated herein, the Company has no current plans or proposals that relate to or would result in: (a) the acquisition by any person of additional securities of the Company or the disposition of securities of the Company; (b) an extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (c) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (d) any change in the present Board of Directors or management of the Company; (e) any material change in the present dividend rate or policy, or indebtedness or capitalization of the Company; (f) any other material change in the Company's corporate structure or business; (g) any change in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or other actions which may impede the acquisition of control of the Company by any person; (h) a class of equity security of the Company being delisted from a national securities exchange or ceasing to be authorized for quotation in an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national securities association; (i) a class of equity security of the Company becoming eligible for termination of registration pursuant to Section 12(g)(4) of the Exchange Act; or (j) the suspension of the Company's obligation to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. ITEM 4. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its executive officers or directors or any associate of any of the foregoing has engaged in any transactions involving the Shares during the 40 business days prior to the date hereof, except as set forth in "Section 10. Interests of Directors and Officers; Transactions and Arrangements Concerning Shares" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 5. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO THE ISSUER'S SECURITIES. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its executive officers, directors, or affiliates is a party to any contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship relating directly or indirectly to the Offer and the securities of the Company, except as set forth in "Section 2. Purpose of the Offer; Certain Effects of the Offer" and "Section 10. Interests of Directors and Officers; Transactions and Arrangements Concerning Shares" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 6. PERSONS RETAINED, EMPLOYED, OR TO BE COMPENSATED. Information with respect to persons employed, compensated, retained, or to be compensated by the Company to make the solicitations in connection with the tender offer is set forth in "Section 15. Fees and Expenses" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. (a)-(b) The financial and pro forma financial information set forth in "Section 9. Certain Information About the Company" of the Offer to Purchase is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. (a) To the best of the Company's knowledge, none of its executive officers, directors, or affiliates is a party to any material contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship between such person and the Company that is material to a decision by a stockholder whether to hold or tender the Shares in the Offer. (b) Information with respect to applicable regulatory requirements is set forth in "Section 12. Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approval" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. (c) The applicability of the margin requirements of Section 7 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, is described in "Section 2. Effects of the Offer on the Market for Shares; Registration Under the Exchange Act" of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated by reference herein. (d) There are no material legal proceedings related to the Offer. ITEM 9. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS. (a) (1) Form of Offer to Purchase, dated April 12, 1999. (2) From of Letter of Transmittal, dated April 12, 1999; together with Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9. (3) Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. (4) Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, and Other Nominees, dated April 12, 1999. (5) Form of Letter to Clients for use by Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, and Other Nominees, dated April 12, 1999. (6) Form of Letter to Stockholders from Herbert M. Gardner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, dated April 12, 1999. (7) Form of Summary Advertisement, dated April 12, 1999. (8) Form of Press Release, dated April 12, 1999. (b) (1) Commitment Letter for a Loan Agreement dated as of April 9, 1999, by and among the Company and NBD Bank. (c) Not applicable. (d) Not applicable. (e) Not applicable. (f) Not applicable SIGNATURE After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated as of April 12, 1999 SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. By: /s/ Herbert M. Gardner -------------------------- Name: Herbert M. Gardner Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------ ----------- (a) (1) Form of Offer to Purchase, dated April 12, 1999. (2) From of Letter of Transmittal, dated April 12, 1999; together with Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9. (3) Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. (4) Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, and Other Nominees, dated April 12, 1999. (5) Form of Letter to Clients for use by Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, and Other Nominees, dated April 12, 1999. (6) Form of Letter to Stockholders from Herbert M. Gardner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, dated April 12, 1999. (7) Form of Summary Advertisement, dated April 12, 1999. (8) Form of Press Release, dated April 12, 1999. (b) (1) Commitment Letter for a Loan Agreement dated as of April 9, 1999, by and among the Company and NBD Bank. (c) Not applicable. (d) Not applicable. (e) Not applicable. (f) Not applicable EX-99.A1 2 FORM OF OFFER TO PURCHASE EXHIBIT (a)(1) SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH UP TO 2,000,000 SHARES OF ITS CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $.10 PER SHARE AT A PURCHASE PRICE NOT GREATER THAN $10.00 NOR LESS THAN $8.75 PER SHARE THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD, AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999 UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby invites its stockholders to tender up to 2,000,000 shares of its Class A and Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), to the Company at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share in cash, as specified by tendering stockholders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"). The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment, and the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, and Shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned at the Company's expense. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. See Section 14. THE OFFER IS NOT CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING TENDERED. THE OFFER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS. SEE SECTION 6. The Shares are listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") under the symbol "STS." On April 8, 1999, the next to last full AMEX trading day prior to announcement and commencement of the Offer, the closing per Share sales price as reported by AMEX was $8-5/16 per Share. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR THE SHARES. SEE SECTION 7. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS APPROVED THE OFFER. HOWEVER, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO STOCKHOLDERS AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING THEIR SHARES. EACH STOCKHOLDER MUST MAKE THE DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND, IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER AND THE PRICE OR PRICES AT WHICH SHARES SHOULD BE TENDERED. THIS OFFER IS BEING MADE TO ALL HOLDERS OF SHARES, INCLUDING OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANY. SEE SECTION 10. The Date of this Offer to Purchase is April 12, 1999 Page 2 of 32 IMPORTANT Any stockholder wishing to tender all or any part of his, her, or its Shares should either: (a) complete and sign a Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) in accordance with the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal and either mail or deliver it with any required signature guarantee or an Agent's Message (as defined below) and any other required documents to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "Depositary"), and either mail or deliver the stock certificates for such tendered Shares to the Depositary (with all such other documents) or tender such Shares pursuant to the procedure for book-entry delivery set forth in Section 3; or (b) request a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee to effect the transaction for such stockholder. Stockholders having Shares registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee must contact that broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee if they desire to tender their Shares. Any stockholder who desires to tender Shares and whose certificates for such Shares cannot be delivered to the Depositary or who cannot comply with the procedure for book-entry transfer or whose other required documents cannot be delivered to the Depositary, in any case, by the expiration of the Offer must tender such Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3. STOCKHOLDERS MUST COMPLETE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, INCLUDING THE BOX RELATING TO THE PRICE AT WHICH THEY ARE TENDERING SHARES, TO EFFECT A VALID TENDER OF SHARES. Additional copies of this Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal, and other tender offer materials may be obtained from the Information Agent and will be furnished at the Company's expense. Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address and telephone number set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. Stockholders may also contact their local broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer. Page 3 of 32 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY.......................................................................4 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS....................................................6 INTRODUCTION..................................................................7 THE OFFER.....................................................................8 1. NUMBER OF SHARES; PRORATION.........................................8 Priority of Purchases...............................................9 Odd Lots............................................................9 Proration..........................................................10 2. PURPOSE OF THE OFFER; CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE OFFER.................10 3. PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING SHARES....................................11 Proper Tender of Shares............................................11 Signature Guarantees and Method of Delivery........................12 Book-Entry Delivery................................................12 Guaranteed Delivery................................................12 United States Federal Income Tax Backup Withholding................13 Withholding For Foreign Stockholders...............................13 Determination of Validity; Rejection of Shares; Waiver of Defects; No Obligation to Give Notice of Defects.......................14 Tendering Stockholder's Representation and Warranty; Company's Acceptance Constitutes an Agreement...........................14 4. WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS..................................................14 5. PURCHASE OF SHARES AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE...................15 6. CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER....................................16 7. PRICE RANGE OF SHARES; DIVIDENDS...................................18 8. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS.........................................18 9. CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY.........................18 Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Information..............19 Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.............20 Additional Information.............................................23 10. INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS; TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING SHARES.............................................23 11. EFFECTS OF THE OFFER ON THE MARKET FOR SHARES; REGISTRATION UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT..............................................24 12. CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS; REGULATORY APPROVALS........................24 13. CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES..............24 Consequences to Tendering Holders of Exchange of Shares for Cash Pursuant to the Offer................................25 14. EXTENSION OF OFFER; TERMINATION; AMENDMENT.........................26 15. FEES AND EXPENSES..................................................27 16. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................28
Page 4 of 32 SUMMARY This general summary is solely for the convenience of the Company's stockholders and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text and more specific details in this Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal. Number of Shares to be Purchased 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered pursuant to the Offer and not withdrawn). Purchase Price The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. Each stockholder desiring to tender Shares must specify in the Letter of Transmittal the minimum price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) at which such stockholder is willing to have his, her, or its Shares purchased by the Company, except that any stockholder owning beneficially fewer than 100 shares who does not wish to specify a purchase price may so indicate in the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal, in which case such stockholder will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price. Conditions to the Offer The Offer is subject to certain conditions. See Section 6. How to Tender Shares See Section 3. Call the Information Agent or consult your broker for assistance. Brokerage Commissions None. Stock Transfer Tax None, if payment is made to the registered holder. Expiration and Proration Dates Monday, May 10, 1999, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, unless the Offer is extended by the Company. Proration In the event that proration of tendered Shares is required, proration for each stockholder tendering Shares (other than Odd Lot Holders) shall be based on the ratio of the number of Shares tendered by such stockholder at or below the Purchase Price (and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date) to the total number of Shares tendered by all stockholders (other than Odd Lot Holders) at or below the Purchase Price (and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date). Odd Lots There will be no proration of Shares tendered by any stockholder owning beneficially fewer than 100 Shares in the aggregate as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and as of the Expiration Date, who tenders all such Shares at or below the Purchase Price prior to the Expiration Date and who checks the "Odd Lots" box in the Letter of Transmittal. See Section 1. Payment Date As soon as practicable after the expiration of the Offer. Page 5 of 32 Position of the Company and Neither the Company nor its Board of its Directors Directors makes any recommendation to any stockholder as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering Shares. The Offer to Purchase is being made to all holders of shares, including officers, directors, and affiliates of the Company. Withdrawal Rights Tendered Shares may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the Offer (5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, or such later date to which the Offer is extended by the Company). See Section 4. For Further Developments Call the Information Agent or consult your broker. THE COMPANY HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO MAKE ANY RECOMMENDATION ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY AS TO WHETHER STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. THE COMPANY HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE OR IN THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. DO NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION OR ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS, IF GIVEN OR MADE, AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. Page 6 of 32 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain sections of this Offer to Purchase, including but not limited to, Section 2 entitled "Purpose of the Offer; Certain Effects of the Offer" and Section 9 entitled "Certain Information Concerning the Company" constitute forward looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements, other than historical facts, which reflect the view of the Company's management with respect to future events. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations include, without limitation, limitations on the availability of chassis on which the Company's products are dependent, availability of raw materials, and severe interest rate increases. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the current views of the Company's management with respect to future events and are subject to those factors and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions relating to the operations, results of operations, and financial position of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Page 7 of 32 To the Holders of Common Stock of Supreme Industries, Inc.: INTRODUCTION Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby invites its stockholders to tender up to 2,000,000 shares of its Class A and Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), to the Company at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share, as specified by tendering stockholders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"). The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment, and the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, and Shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned at the Company's expense. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. See Section 14. THIS OFFER IS NOT CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING TENDERED IN THE OFFER. THE OFFER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS. SEE SECTION 6. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS APPROVED THE OFFER. HOWEVER, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO STOCKHOLDERS AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING THEIR SHARES. EACH STOCKHOLDER MUST MAKE THE DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND, IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER AND THE PRICE OR PRICES AT WHICH SHARES SHOULD BE TENDERED. THE OFFER IS BEING MADE TO ALL HOLDERS OF SHARES, INCLUDING OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANY. SEE SECTION 10. The Company's Board of Directors believes that the Offer is in the best interests of the Company. The Offer affords to those stockholders who desire liquidity an opportunity to sell all or a portion of their Shares without the usual transaction costs associated with open market sales. The Offer provides stockholders who are considering a sale of all or a portion of their Shares the opportunity to determine the price or prices (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) at which they are willing to sell their Shares and, if any such Shares are purchased pursuant to the Offer, to sell those Shares for cash to the Company. Stockholders who determine not to accept the Offer will increase their proportionate interest in the Company and thus in the Company's future earnings, subject to the Company's right to issue additional Shares and other equity securities in the future. Giving effect to the completion of the full repurchase of Shares at $10.00 per Share, on a pro forma basis, the book value per Share shall have decreased from $4.65 per Share to $3.51 per Share on December 31, 1998. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if at the expiration of the Offer more than 2,000,000 Shares (or such greater number of Shares as the Company may elect to purchase) are validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, the Company will purchase validly tendered and not withdrawn Shares first from all Odd Lot Holders (as defined in Section 1) who validly tendered all their Shares at or below the Purchase Price and who so certify in the appropriate place on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, and then, after the purchase of all of the foregoing Shares, all Shares tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, on a pro rata basis (with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchase of fractional Shares). See Page 8 of 32 Section 1. All certificates representing Shares not purchased pursuant to the Offer, including Shares tendered at prices greater than the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, and Shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned at the Company's expense to the stockholders who tendered such Shares. The Purchase Price will be paid net to the tendering stockholder in cash without interest thereon for all Shares purchased. Tendering stockholders will not be obligated to pay brokerage commissions, solicitation fees or, subject to Instruction 7 of the Letter of Transmittal, stock transfer taxes on the purchase of Shares by the Company. HOWEVER, ANY TENDERING STOCKHOLDER OR OTHER PAYEE WHO FAILS TO COMPLETE, SIGN, AND RETURN TO THE DEPOSITARY THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 THAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE SUBJECT TO REQUIRED UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF THE GROSS PROCEEDS PAYABLE TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER OR OTHER PAYEE PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. SEE SECTION 3. The Company will pay all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Offer by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company which will act as the depositary for the Offer (the "Depositary") and Georgeson & Company Inc. which will act as information agent for the Offer (the "Information Agent"). See Section 15. As of April 7, 1999, the Company had issued and outstanding 9,819,305 Shares of its Class A Common Stock and 1,682,328 Shares of its Class B Common Stock (which is convertible into the Company's Class A Common Stock on a one- for-one basis). In addition, 57,327 Shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days. The 2,000,000 shares that the Company is offering to purchase represent approximately 17.3% of the total shares referred to in the two preceding sentences. As of April 7, 1999, the Company's directors and executive officers as a group (nine persons) beneficially owned (including 1,530,814 Shares of Class B Common Stock and 57,327 Shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to options exercisable within sixty days) an aggregate of 3,017,852 shares representing approximately 26.5% of the outstanding Class A and Class B Shares. The Shares are listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") under the symbol "STS." On April 8, 1999, the next to last full trading day before announcement and commencement of the Offer, the closing per Share sales price as reported by AMEX was $8-5/16 per share. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR THE SHARES. SEE SECTION 7. THE OFFER 1. NUMBER OF SHARES; PRORATION Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the Company will purchase 2,000,000 Shares or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered (and not withdrawn in accordance with Section 4) prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share net to Seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"). The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, unless and until the Company, in its reasonable discretion, shall have extended the period of time during which the Offer will remain open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall refer to the latest time and date at which the Offer, as so extended by the Company, shall expire. See Section 14 for a description of the Company's right to extend, delay, terminate, or amend the Offer. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. In accordance with applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), the Company may purchase pursuant to the Offer an additional amount of Shares not to exceed 2% of the outstanding Shares without amending or extending the Offer. See Section 14. In the event of an over-subscription of the Offer as described below, Shares tendered at or below the Purchase Price prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible for proration, except for Odd Lots as explained below. The proration period also expires on the Expiration Date. THE OFFER IS NOT CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING TENDERED IN THE OFFER. THE OFFER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS. SEE SECTION 6. Page 9 of 32 In accordance with Instruction 5 of the Letter of Transmittal, stockholders desiring to tender Shares must specify the price or prices (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) at which they are willing to sell their Shares to the Company, except that any stockholder owning beneficially fewer than 100 Shares who does not wish to specify a purchase price may so indicate in the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, in which case such stockholder will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price. As promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date, the Company will, in its reasonable discretion, determine the Purchase Price that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price, even if such Shares were tendered below the Purchase Price, for all Shares validly tendered prior to the Expiration Date at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment, and the proration provisions. All Shares tendered and not purchased pursuant to the Offer, including Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn and Shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned to the tendering stockholders at the Company's expense as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. See Section 14. Priority of Purchases. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if more than 2,000,000 Shares (or such greater number of Shares as the Company may elect to purchase pursuant to the Offer) have been validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, the Company will purchase validly tendered and not withdrawn Shares on the basis set forth below: (a) first, all Shares tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date by any Odd Lot Holder (as defined below) who: (1) tenders all Shares beneficially owned by such Odd Lot Holder at a price at or below the Purchase Price (tenders of fewer than all Shares owned by such stockholder will not qualify for this preference); and (2) completes the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and (b) second, after purchase of all of the foregoing Shares, all Shares tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, on a pro rata basis (with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchases of fractional Shares) as described below. Odd Lots. For purposes of the Offer, the term "Odd Lots" shall mean all Shares validly tendered prior to the Expiration Date at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn by any person who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares (and so certified in the appropriate place on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery) (an "Odd Lot Holder"). As set forth above, Odd Lots will be accepted for payment before proration, if any, of the purchase of other tendered Shares. In order to qualify for this preference, an Odd Lot Holder must tender all such Shares in accordance with the procedures described in Section 3. This preference is not available to partial tenders or to beneficial holders of an aggregate of 100 or more Shares, even if such holders have separate accounts or certificates representing fewer than 100 Shares. By accepting the Offer, an Odd Lot Holder would not only avoid the payment of brokerage commissions but also would avoid any applicable odd lot discounts in a sale of such holder's Shares. Any Odd Lot Holder wishing to tender all of such stockholder's Shares should complete the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. The Company also reserves the right, but will not be obligated, to purchase all Shares duly tendered by any stockholder who tendered all Shares owned beneficially at or below the Purchase Price and who, as a result of proration, Page 10 of 32 would then own beneficially an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares. If the Company exercises this right, it will increase the number of Shares that it is offering to purchase by the number of Shares purchased through the exercise of such right. Proration. In the event that proration of tendered Shares is required, the Company will determine the proration factor as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date. Proration for each stockholder tendering Shares, other than Odd Lot Holders, shall be based on the ratio of the number of Shares tendered by such stockholder at or below the Purchase Price (and not withdrawn) to the total number of Shares tendered by all stockholders, other than Odd Lot Holders, at or below the Purchase Price (and not withdrawn). Because of the difficulty in determining the number of Shares properly tendered (including Shares tendered by guaranteed delivery procedures, as described in Section 3) and not withdrawn, and because of the odd lot procedure, the Company does not expect that it will be able to announce the final proration factor and commence payment for any Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer until approximately seven AMEX trading days after the Expiration Date. The preliminary results of any proration will be announced by press release as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. Stockholders may obtain such preliminary information from the Information Agent and may be able to obtain such information from their brokers. As described in Section 13, the number of Shares that the Company will purchase from a stockholder may affect the United States federal income tax consequences to the stockholder of such purchase and therefore may be relevant to a stockholder's decision whether to tender Shares. The Letter of Transmittal affords each tendering stockholder the opportunity to designate the order of priority in which Shares tendered are to be purchased in the event of proration. This Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal will be mailed to record holders of Shares and will be furnished to brokers, banks, and similar persons whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on the Company's stockholder list or, if applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of Shares. 2. PURPOSE OF THE OFFER; CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE OFFER. THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE RESULTS DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT CAUSE SUCH A DIFFERENCE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE MATTERS DISCUSSED BELOW AS WELL AS THE FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY'S FILINGS WITH THE COMMISSION. The Offer provides stockholders who are considering a sale of all or a portion of their Shares with the opportunity to determine the price or prices (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) at which they are willing to sell their Shares and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, to sell those Shares for cash without the usual transaction costs associated with market sales. In addition, stockholders owning fewer than 100 Shares whose Shares are purchased pursuant to the Offer not only will avoid the payment of brokerage commissions but also will avoid any applicable odd lot discounts payable on a sale of their Shares. The Offer also allows stockholders to sell a portion of their Shares while retaining a continuing equity interest in the Company and may give Stockholders the opportunity to sell Shares at prices greater than market prices prevailing prior to announcement of the Offer. The Board of Directors believes that the Shares are undervalued at the present time and that the purchase of the Shares is an attractive use of the Company's financial resources. Stockholders who determine not to accept the Offer will increase their proportionate interest in the Company and thus in the Company's future earnings, subject to the Company's right to issue additional Shares and other equity securities in the future. Giving effect to the completion of the full repurchase of Shares at $10.00 per Share, on a pro forma basis, the book value per Share shall have decreased from $4.65 per Share to $3.51 per Share on December 31, 1998. Page 11 of 32 Shares that the Company acquires pursuant to the Offer will become authorized Shares held in treasury and will be available for reissuance by the Company without further stockholder action (except as may be required by applicable law or the rules of AMEX or any securities exchange on which the Shares are listed). Subject to applicable state laws and rules of AMEX, such Shares could be issued without stockholder approval for, among other things, acquisitions, the raising of additional capital for use in the Company's business, stock dividends, or in connection with stock option plans and other plans, or a combination thereof. The Company may in the future purchase additional Shares on the open market, in private transactions, through tender offers or otherwise. Any such purchases may be on the same terms as, or on terms that are more or less favorable to stockholders than, the terms of the Offer. However, Rule 13e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), generally prohibits the Company and its affiliates from purchasing any Shares, other than pursuant to the Offer, until at least ten business days after the expiration or termination of the Offer. Any possible future purchases by the Company will depend on several factors including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to make such purchases under its financing agreements in effect at the time, the market price of the Shares, the results of the Offer, the Company's business and financial position, and general economic and market conditions. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS APPROVED THE OFFER. HOWEVER, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO STOCKHOLDERS AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING THEIR SHARES. EACH STOCKHOLDER MUST MAKE THE DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND, IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER AND THE PRICE OR PRICES AT WHICH SHARES SHOULD BE TENDERED. THE OFFER TO PURCHASE IS BEING MADE TO ALL HOLDERS OF SHARES, INCLUDING OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANY. SEE SECTION 10. 3. PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING SHARES. Proper Tender of Shares. For Shares to be validly tendered pursuant to the Offer: (a) the certificates for such Shares (or confirmation of receipt of such Shares pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth below), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) including any required signature guarantees or an Agent's Message (as defined below), and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, must be received prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date by the Depositary at its address set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase; or (b) the tendering stockholder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below. IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTION 5 OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, STOCKHOLDERS (EXCEPT THAT ANY ODD LOT HOLDER WHO DOES NOT WISH TO SPECIFY A PURCHASE PRICE MAY SO INDICATE IN THE BOX CAPTIONED "ODD LOTS" ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND, IF APPLICABLE, ON THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY, IN WHICH CASE SUCH STOCKHOLDER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED AT THE PURCHASE PRICE) DESIRING TO TENDER SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER MUST PROPERLY INDICATE, IN THE SECTION CAPTIONED "PRICE (IN DOLLARS) PER SHARE AT WHICH SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED" ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, THE PRICE (IN INCREMENTS OF $0.25) AT WHICH THEIR SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED. Stockholders who desire to tender Shares at more than one price must complete a separate Letter of Transmittal for each price at which Shares are tendered, provided that the same Shares cannot be tendered (unless properly withdrawn previously in accordance with the terms of the Offer) at more than one price. IN ORDER TO VALIDLY TENDER SHARES, ONE AND ONLY ONE PRICE BOX MUST BE CHECKED IN THE APPROPRIATE SECTION ON EACH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. In addition, Odd Lot Holders who tender all such Shares must complete the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, in order to qualify for the preferential treatment available to Odd Lot Holders as set forth in Section 1. Odd Lot Holders who do not wish to specify a purchase price may Page 12 of 32 so indicate in the box captioned "Odd Lots" on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, in which case such stockholder will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price. Signature Guarantees and Method of Delivery. Except as otherwise provided below, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member of a recognized signature guarantee or medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (an "Eligible Institution"), unless: (i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holders(s) of the Shares (which term, for purposes of this document, shall include any participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Shares) tendered herewith and such holder(s) have not completed the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal; or (ii) such Shares are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1 of the Letter of Transmittal. If a certificate for Shares is registered in the name of a person other than the person executing a Letter of Transmittal, or if payment is to be made, or Shares not purchased or tendered are to be issued, to a person other than the registered holder, then the certificate must be endorsed or accompanied by an appropriate stock power, in either case signed exactly as the name of the registered holder appears on the certificate or stock power guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. In all cases, payment for Shares tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary of certificates for such Shares (or a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility as described above), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof), and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, THEN REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. Book-Entry Delivery. The Depositary will establish an account with respect to the Shares for purposes of the Offer at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility within two business days after the date of this Offer to Purchase, and any financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's system may make book-entry delivery of the Shares by causing such Facility to transfer Shares into the Depositary's account in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures for transfer. Although delivery of Shares may be effected through a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, either: (i) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof) with any required signature guarantees or an Agent's Message, and any other required documents must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the Depositary at its address set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase prior to the Expiration Date; or (ii) the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be followed. The confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility as described above is referred to herein as "confirmation of a book-entry transfer." DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY. The term "Agent's Message" means a message transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to, and received by, Page 13 of 32 the Depositary and forming a part of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer which states that such Book-Entry Transfer Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in such Book-Entry Transfer Facility tendering the Shares that such participant has received, and agrees to be bound by, the terms of the Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such agreement against the participant. Guaranteed Delivery. Stockholders whose Share certificates are not immediately available, who cannot deliver their Shares and all other required documents to the Depositary, or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Date, must tender their Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in this Section 3. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery substantially in the form provided by the Company (with any required signature guarantees) must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the certificates for all physically delivered Shares in proper form for transfer by delivery, or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility of all Shares delivered electronically, in each case together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary within three AMEX trading days after the date the Depositary receives such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. United States Federal Income Tax Backup Withholding. Under the United States federal income tax backup withholding rules, unless an exemption applies under the applicable law and regulations, 31% of the gross proceeds payable to a stockholder or other payee pursuant to the Offer must be withheld and remitted to the United States Treasury, unless the stockholder or other payee provides its taxpayer identification number (employer identification number or social security number) to the Depositary and certifies that such number is correct. Therefore, each tendering stockholder must complete and sign the Substitute Form W-9 included as part of the Letter of Transmittal so as to provide the information and certification necessary to avoid backup withholding, unless such stockholder otherwise establishes to the satisfaction of the Depositary that it is not subject to backup withholding. Certain stockholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign stockholders) are not subject to these backup withholding requirements. To prevent possible erroneous backup withholding, an exempt holder must enter its correct taxpayer identification number in Part I of Substitute Form W-9, certify that such Stockholder is not subject to backup withholding in Part 2 of such form, and sign and date the form. See the Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number of Substitute Form W-9 enclosed with Letter of Transmittal for additional instructions. In order for a foreign stockholder to qualify as an exempt recipient, a foreign stockholder must submit an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Form W-8 or a Substitute Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that stockholder's exempt status. Such statements may be obtained from the Depositary. See Instruction 10 of the Letter of Transmittal. Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of United States federal income tax withholding TO PREVENT UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP WITHHOLDING EQUAL TO 31% OF THE GROSS PAYMENTS MADE TO STOCKHOLDERS FOR SHARES PURCHASED PURSUANT TO THE OFFER, EACH STOCKHOLDER WHO DOES NOT OTHERWISE ESTABLISH AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH WITHHOLDING MUST PROVIDE THE DEPOSITARY WITH THE STOCKHOLDER'S CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND PROVIDE CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION BY COMPLETING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 INCLUDED WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. For a discussion of certain United States federal income tax consequences to tendering stockholders, see Section 13. Withholding For Foreign Stockholders. Even if a foreign stockholder has provided the required certification to avoid backup withholding, the Depositary will withhold United States federal income taxes equal to 30% of the gross payments payable to a foreign stockholder or its agent unless: (A) the Depositary determines that a reduced rate of withholding is available pursuant to a tax treaty or that an exemption from withholding is applicable because such gross proceeds are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States; or (B) the foreign Page 14 of 32 stockholder establishes to the satisfaction of the Company and the Depositary that the sale of Shares by such foreign stockholder pursuant to the Offer will qualify as a "sale or exchange," rather than as a distribution taxable as a dividend, for United States federal income tax purposes (see Section 13 below). For this purpose, a foreign stockholder is any stockholder that is not: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State or any political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the source of such income; or (iv) a trust the administration of which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision and all substantial decisions of which one or more United States persons have the authority to control. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding pursuant to a tax treaty, a foreign stockholder must deliver to the Depositary before the payment a properly completed and executed IRS Form 1001. In order to obtain an exemption from withholding on the grounds that the gross proceeds paid pursuant to the Offer are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, a foreign stockholder must deliver to the Depositary a properly completed and executed IRS Form 4224. The Depositary will determine a stockholder's status as a foreign stockholder and eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding by reference to any outstanding certificates or statements concerning eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding (e.g., IRS Form 1001 or IRS Form 4224), unless facts and circumstances indicate that such reliance is not warranted. A foreign stockholder may be eligible to obtain a refund of all or a portion of any tax withheld if such stockholder meets the "complete redemption," "substantially disproportionate," or "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" test described in Section 13 or is otherwise able to establish that no tax or a reduced amount of tax is due. Each foreign stockholder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of United States federal income tax withholding, including eligibility for a withholding tax reduction or exemption, and the refund procedure. See Instruction 2 of the Letter of Transmittal. Determination of Validity; Rejection of Shares; Waiver of Defects; No Obligation to Give Notice of Defects. All questions as to the number of Shares to be accepted, the price to be paid for Shares to be accepted, and the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance of any tender of Shares will be determined by the Company, in its reasonable discretion, and its determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of any Shares that it determines in its reasonable judgment are not in appropriate form or the acceptance for payment of or payments for which maybe unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right in its reasonable judgment to waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect or irregularity in any tender with respect to any particular Shares or any particular stockholder. No tender of Shares will be deemed to have been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured by the tendering stockholder or waived by the Company. None of the Company, the Depositary, the Information Agent, or any other person shall be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give any such notice. Tendering Stockholder's Representation and Warranty; Company's Acceptance Constitutes an Agreement. A tender of Shares pursuant to any of the procedures described above will constitute the tendering stockholder's acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer, as well as the tendering stockholder's representation and warranty to the Company that: (a) such stockholder has a net long position in the Shares being tendered within the meaning of Rule l4e-4 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act; and (b) the tender of such Shares complies with Rule l4e-4. It is a violation of Rule 14e-4 for a person, directly or indirectly, to tender Shares for such person's own account unless, at the time of tender and at the end of the proration period or period during which Shares are accepted by lot (including any extensions thereof), the person so tendering: (i) has a net long position equal to or greater than the amount of: (x) Shares tendered or; (y) other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for the Shares tendered and will acquire such Shares for tender by conversion, exchange, or exercise and; (ii) will deliver or cause to be delivered such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Rule l4e- 4 provides a similar restriction applicable to the tender or guarantee of a tender on behalf of another person. The Company's acceptance for payment of Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer will constitute a binding agreement between the tendering stockholder and the Company upon the terms and conditions of the Offer. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES, TOGETHER WITH A PROPERLY COMPLETED LETTER OF Page 15 of 32 TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND NOT TO THE COMPANY. ANY SUCH DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO THE COMPANY WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE DEPOSITARY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE VALIDLY TENDERED. 4. WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, tenders of Shares pursuant to the Offer are irrevocable. Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date. For a withdrawal to be effective, a notice of withdrawal must be in written, telegraphic, or facsimile transmission form and must be received in a timely manner by the Depositary at its address set forth on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the tendering stockholder, the name of the registered holder (if different from that of the person who tendered such Shares), the number of Shares tendered, and the number of Shares to be withdrawn. If the certificates for Shares to be withdrawn have been delivered or otherwise identified to the Depositary, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the tendering stockholder must also submit the serial numbers shown on the particular certificates for Shares to be withdrawn, and the signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (except in the case of Shares tendered by an Eligible Institution). If Shares have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book- entry transfer set forth in Section 3, the notice of withdrawal also must specify the name and the number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn Shares and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. All questions as to the form and validity (including time of receipt) of notices of withdrawal will be determined by the Company, in its reasonable discretion, which determination shall be final and binding. None of the Company, the Depositary, the Information Agent, or any other person shall be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in any notice of withdrawal nor shall any of them incur liability for failure to give any such notice. Withdrawals may not be rescinded, and any Shares withdrawn will thereafter be deemed not tendered for purposes of the Offer, unless such withdrawn Shares are validly retendered prior to the Expiration Date by again following one of the procedures described in Section 3. If the Company extends the Offer, is delayed in its purchase of Shares, or is unable to purchase Shares pursuant to the Offer for any reason, then, without prejudice to the Company's rights under the Offer, the Depositary may, subject to applicable law, retain tendered Shares on behalf of the Company, and such Shares may not be withdrawn except to the extent tendering stockholders are entitled to withdrawal rights as described in this Section 4. 5. PURCHASE OF SHARES AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date, the Company: (i) will determine the lowest single Purchase Price that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date), taking into account the number of Shares so tendered and the prices specified by tendering stockholders; and (ii) will accept for payment and pay for (and thereby purchase) Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date. For purposes of the Offer, the Company will be deemed to have accepted for payment (and therefore purchased) Shares that are tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn (subject to the proration provisions of the Offer) only when, as, and if it gives oral or written notice to the Depositary of its acceptance of such Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. In accordance with applicable regulations of the Commission, the Company may purchase pursuant to the Offer an additional amount of Shares not to exceed 2% of the outstanding Shares without amending or extending the Offer. If: (i) the Company increases or decreases the price to be paid for the Shares or the number of Shares being sought in the Offer and, in the event of an increase in the number of Shares being sought, such increase exceeds 2% of the outstanding Shares; and (ii) the Offer is scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the tenth business day from, and Page 16 of 32 including, the date that notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent, or given in the manner specified in Section 14, the Offer will be extended until the expiration of such period of ten business days. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the Company will purchase and pay a single per Share Purchase Price for all of the Shares accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer as soon as practicable after the Expiration Date. In all cases, payment for Shares tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will be made promptly (subject to possible delay in the event of proration), but only after timely receipt by the Depositary of certificates for Shares (or of a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) and any other required documents. The Company will pay for Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer by depositing the aggregate Purchase Price therefor with the Depositary, which will act as agent for tendering stockholders for the purpose of receiving payment from the Company and transmitting payment to the tendering stockholders. In the event of proration, the Company will determine the proration factor and pay for those tendered Shares accepted for payment as soon as practicable after the Expiration Date; however, the Company does not expect to be able to announce the final results of any proration and commence payment for Shares purchased until approximately seven AMEX trading days after the Expiration Date. Certificates for all Shares tendered and not purchased, including all Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and Shares not purchased due to proration will be returned (or, in the case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, such Shares will be credited to the account maintained with the Book- Entry Transfer Facility by the participant therein who so delivered such Shares) to the tendering stockholder as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date without expense to the tendering stockholders. Under no circumstances will interest on the Purchase Price be paid by the Company by reason of any delay in making payment. In addition, if certain events occur, the Company may not be obligated to purchase Shares pursuant to the Offer. See Section 6. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all stock transfer taxes, if any, payable on the transfer to it of Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. If, however, payment of the Purchase Price is to be made to, or (in the circumstances permitted by the Offer) if unpurchased Shares are to be registered in the name of, any person other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered certificates are registered in the name of any person other than the person(s) signing the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of all stock transfer taxes, if any (whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person or otherwise) payable on account of the transfer to such person will be deducted from the Purchase Price unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of the stock transfer taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted. See Instruction 7 of the Letter of Transmittal. THE COMPANY MAY BE REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD AND REMIT TO THE IRS 31% OF THE GROSS PROCEEDS PAID TO ANY TENDERING STOCKHOLDER OR OTHER PAYEE WHO FAILS TO COMPLETE FULLY, SIGN, AND RETURN TO THE DEPOSITARY THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. SEE SECTION 3. SEE SECTION 13 REGARDING UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS. 6. CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, the Company shall not be required to accept for payment, purchase, or pay for any Shares tendered, and may terminate or amend the Offer, or may postpone the acceptance for payment of, or the purchase of and the payment for Shares tendered, subject to Rule 13e-4(f) under the Exchange Act, if at any time on or after April 12, 1999, and on or prior to the Expiration Date any of the following events shall have occurred (or shall have been determined by the Company to have occurred) that, in the Company's reasonable judgment (regardless of the circumstances giving rise thereto, including any action or omission to act by the Company), makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Offer or with such acceptance for payment or payment: Page 17 of 32 (a) there shall have been threatened, instituted, or pending, any action or proceeding by any government or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, authority or tribunal or any other person, domestic or foreign, before any court, authority, agency, or tribunal that directly or indirectly: (i) challenges the making of the Offer, the acquisition of some or all of the Shares pursuant to the Offer, or otherwise relates in any manner to the Offer; or (ii) in the Company's reasonable judgment, could materially and adversely affect the business, condition (financial or other), income, operations, or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or otherwise materially impair in any way the contemplated future conduct of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to the Company; (b) there shall have been any action threatened, pending, or taken, or approval withheld, or any statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, or injunction threatened, proposed, sought, promulgated, enacted, entered, amended, enforced, or deemed to be applicable to the Offer or the Company or any of its subsidiaries, by any court or any authority, agency, or tribunal that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, would or might directly or indirectly: (i) make the acceptance for payment of, or payment for, some or all of the Shares illegal or otherwise restrict or prohibit consummation of the Offer or otherwise relates in any manner to the Offer; (ii) delay or restrict the ability of the Company, or render the Company unable, to accept for payment or pay for some or all of the Shares; (iii) materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to the Company; or (iv) materially and adversely affect the business, condition (financial or other), income, operations, or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or otherwise materially impair in any way the contemplated future conduct of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (c) there shall have occurred: (i) any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market; (ii) the declaration of any banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States (whether or not mandatory); (iii) the commencement of a war, armed hostilities, or other international or national crisis directly or indirectly involving the United States; (iv) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any governmental, regulatory, or administrative agency or authority on, or any event that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, might effect, the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United States; (v) any significant decrease in the market price of the Shares or in the market prices of equity securities generally or any change in the general political, market, economic, or financial conditions in the United States or abroad that could, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, have a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), income, operations, or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the trading in the Shares; (vi) in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the Offer, a material acceleration or worsening thereof; (vii) any decline in either the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the Standard and Poor's Index of 500 Industrial Companies by an amount in excess of 10% measured from the close of business on April 12, 1999, or (viii) the Company failing to obtain acceptable financing from its principal Bank which would enable the Company to repurchase all of the Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer; (d) a tender or exchange offer with respect to some or all of the Shares (other than the Offer), or a merger or acquisition proposal for the Company, shall have been proposed, announced, or made by another person or shall have been publicly disclosed, or any person or group shall have filed a Notification and Report Form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 reflecting an intent to acquire the Company or any of its Shares, or the Company shall have learned that any person or "group" (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) shall have acquired or proposed to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding Shares, or any new group shall have been formed that beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding Shares; or (e) any change or changes shall have occurred, be pending, or threatened or be proposed, which have affected or could affect the business, scope, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, income, level of indebtedness, operations, prospects, stock ownership or capital structure of the Company or its subsidiaries which, in the Company's reasonable judgment, is or may be material to the Company or its subsidiaries. Page 18 of 32 The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and may be asserted by the Company regardless of the circumstances (including any action or inaction by the Company) giving rise to any such condition, and may be waived by the Company, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to the Expiration Date in its reasonable discretion. The condition set forth in Section 6(c)(iii) has been satisfied based on the NATO action against Serbia/Yugoslavia. The Company's failure at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such right, and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted at any time and from time to time prior to the Expiration Date. Any determination by the Company concerning the events described above will be final and binding, on all parties. 7. PRICE RANGE OF SHARES; DIVIDENDS. The Shares are listed and traded on AMEX. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing per Share sales prices as reported by AMEX (rounded to the nearest $.01):
HIGH LOW ------- -------- 1997: 1st Quarter 6-3/8 4-9/16 2nd Quarter 7-3/8 5-5/8 3rd Quarter 8-1/2 7-3/8 4th Quarter 9-5/16 7-5/8 1998: 1st Quarter 11-1/2 7-15/16 2nd Quarter 14-3/8 10-13/16 3rd Quarter 11-3/4 8-1/8 4th Quarter 9-15/16 7-3/8 1999: 1st Quarter 10-3/8 7-3/8
On April 8, 1999, the next to last full AMEX trading day prior to announcement and commencement of the Offer, the closing per Share sales price as reported by AMEX was $8-5/16. THE COMPANY URGES STOCKHOLDERS TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR THE SHARES. The Company has never paid cash dividends. However, the Company has paid stock dividends. The Company's dividend policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at such future times as may be appropriate in light of relevant factors at such times. The Company does not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company paid two 5% stock dividends during 1997 (one on May 19 one on November 17) and two 5% stock dividends during 1998 (one on June 1 and one on November 20). 8. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS. Assuming that the Company purchases 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer, at a purchase price of $10.00 per Share, the Company expects the maximum amount required to purchase Shares pursuant to the Offer and to pay related taxes, fees, and expenses, will be approximately $20,100,000 which the Company expects to obtain from its general Page 19 of 32 corporate funds and from borrowing under a five-year unsecured note (the "Note") payable to the Company's principal bank in the principal amount of $20,000,000. Under the terms of the Note, principal and interest payments will be made on a quarterly basis amortized over a seven-year period, with the unpaid principal balance due at final maturity of the Note (five years from the date of issuance). Additional annual principal payments will be required based upon an earnings recapture provision as defined in the loan agreement. Additional principal payments are capped at $1,000,000 per annum. 9. CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY. The Company was incorporated in the state of Texas in 1979. The Company is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of specialized vehicles, including truck bodies and shuttle buses. The Company has two operating segments: specialized vehicles and vertically integrated fiberglass products. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 65140 U.S. 33 East, Goshen, Indiana 46526. The foregoing description of the Company's business is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed discussion contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and in its other filings made with the Commission under the Exchange Act. The Company has two classes of stock: Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. Holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to elect one-third of the Board of Directors (rounded to the lowest whole number), and the remaining directors are elected by holders of the Class B Common Stock. Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Information. Set forth below is certain summary historical consolidated financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries. The historical financial information (other than the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and book value per common share, has been derived from the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated herein by reference. More comprehensive financial information is included in such financial statements, and the financial information which follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements, related notes and the independent accountants report contained therein, copies of which may be obtained as set forth below under the caption "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION." Page 20 of 32 SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Years Ended December 31, 1998 1997 ----------- ---------- STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA: Revenue $223,732 $197,968 Income before extraordinary loss 10,291 8,555 Extraordinary loss (1,280) -- Net income 9,011 8,555 Earnings per share-basic: Income before extraordinary loss $ .90 $ .75 Extraordinary loss (.11) -- -------- -------- Net income $ .79 $ .75 ======== ======== Earnings per share-diluted: Income before extraordinary loss $ .89 $ .74 Extraordinary loss (.11) -- -------- -------- Net income $ .78 $ .74 ======== ======== Shares used in the computation of earnings per share: Basic 11,456 11,421 Diluted 11,578 11,517 BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER DATA: Working capital $ 39,286 $ 30,364 Total assets 94,071 85,874 Long-term (excluding current maturities) 18,303 17,360 Stockholders' equity 53,486 44,451 Cash dividends per share -- -- Book value per share 4.65 3.89
Notes to Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Information (1) The $1.3 million extraordinary loss (net of tax benefit) is the loss from abandonment of the Company's hardwood flooring plant in Honduras as a result of Hurricane Mitch. (2) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" consists of income before income taxes and extraordinary loss, plus fixed charges, and plus depreciation and amortization. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense and the interest component of rental expenses (estimated as one-third of all rental payments). Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information gives effect to the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, and the related borrowing transaction to finance the purchase of Shares and the payment of related taxes, fees, and expenses, based on the assumptions described in the Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements, as if such transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented, with respect to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income, and on December 31, 1998, with respect to the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements do not purport to be indicative of the results that would actually have been obtained, or results that may be obtained in the future, or the financial condition that would have resulted, if the purchase of the Shares pursuant to the Offer, the related borrowing transaction to finance the purchase of Shares, and the payment of related taxes, fees, and expenses, had been completed at the dates indicated. Page 21 of 32 SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (In thousands, except per share data)
As of December 31, 1998 ---------------------------------- Pro Forma Historical Adjustments Pro Forma ---------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 185 $ (100) $ 85 Accounts receivable 28,710 -- 28,710 Refundable income taxes 1,035 -- 1,035 Inventories 28,793 -- 28,793 Deferred income taxes 1,082 -- 1,082 Other current assets 430 -- 430 ------- -------- -------- Total current assets 60,235 (100) 60,135 Property, plant and equipment, net 31,342 -- 31,342 Intangible assets, net 1,502 -- 1,502 Other assets 992 -- 992 ------- -------- -------- Total assets $94,071 $ (100) $ 93,971 ======= ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 2,015 $ 2,857 $ 4,872 Trade accounts payable 10,236 -- 10,236 Accrued wages and benefits 4,568 -- 4,568 Accrued income taxes 962 -- 962 Customer deposits 148 -- 148 Other accrued liabilities 3,020 -- 3,020 ------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities 20,949 2,857 23,806 Long term-debt 18,303 17,143 35,446 Deferred income taxes 1,333 -- 1,333 ------- -------- -------- Total liabilities 40,585 20,000 60,585 ======= ======== ======== Stockholder's equity: Preferred Stock -- -- -- Class A Common Stock 989 -- 989 Class B Common Stock 168 -- 168 Additional paid-in capital 44,108 -- 44,108 Retained earnings 8,936 -- 8,936 Treasury stock, Class A Common Stock (715) (20,100) (20,815) ------- -------- -------- Total stockholders' equity 53,486 (20,100) 33,386 ------- -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $94,071 $ (100) $ 93,971 ======= ======== ======== Book value per common share $4.65 $3.51
Page 22 of 32 SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Year Ended December 31, 1998 ------------------------------------------ Pro Forma Historical Adjustments Pro Forma ------------------------------------------ REVENUE: Net sales $222,567 $ -- $222,567 Other income 1,161 -- 1,161 -------- -------- -------- 223,728 -- 223,728 ======== ======== ======== COST AND EXPENSES: Cost of sales 184,433 -- 184,433 Selling, general and administrative 20,656 -- 20,656 Interest 1,648 1,278 2,926 -------- -------- -------- 206,737 1,278 208,015 ======== ======== ======== Income before income taxes and extraordinary loss 16,991 (1,278) 15,713 Income taxes 6,700 (504) 6,196 -------- -------- -------- Income before extraordinary loss 10,291 (774) 9,517 Extraordinary loss, net 1,280 -- 1,280 -------- -------- -------- Net Income $ 9,011 $ (774) $ 8,237 ======== ======== ======== EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC Income before extraordinary loss $ .90 $ .11 $ 1.01 Extraordinary loss (.11) (.03) (.14) -------- -------- -------- Net income $ .79 $ .08 $ .87 ======== ======== ======== EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED Income before extraordinary loss $ .89 $ .10 $ .99 Extraordinary loss (.11) (.02) (.13) -------- -------- -------- Net income $ .78 $ .08 $ .86 ======== ======== ======== Shares used in the computation of earnings per share: Basic 11,456 (2,000) 9,456 Diluted 11,578 (2,000) 9,578 Dividends per share $ -- $ -- ========= ========= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 10.91 6.64 ========= =========
Notes To Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (1) The following assumptions were made in presenting the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements: (a) The information assumes that 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock are repurchased and recorded as treasury stock at $10.00 per share. (b) The Company will finance the purchase of treasury stock with a $20 million unsecured bank term loan. The term loan will be payable in quarterly installments of $714,300 plus interest at LIBOR plus 115 basis points and the unpaid balance will be due at final maturity in March 2004. In connection with the $20 million bank loan, the Company will enter into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converts the variable interest rate term loan to a fixed rate of 6.75%. (c) Expenses directly related to the Offer are assumed to be $100,000 and have been charged against treasury stock. (d) The assumed income tax rate applicable to pro forma adjustments was 39.4% which is consistent with the rate for the respective historical period. (2) The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet assumes the above transactions occurred on December 31, 1998 and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income assumes the above transactions occurred at the beginning of the period presented. Page 23 of 32 Additional Information. The Company is subject to the informational filing requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, is obligated to file reports and other information with the Commission relating to its business, financial condition, and other matters. Information, as of particular dates, concerning the Company's directors and officers, their remuneration, options granted to them, the principal holders of the Company's securities and any material interest of such persons in transactions with the Company is required to be disclosed in proxy statements distributed to the Company's stockholders and filed with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 2120, Washington, D.C. 20549; at its regional offices located at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material may also be obtained by mail, upon payment of the Commission's customary charges, from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a Web site on the World Wide Web at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy, and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. 10. INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS; TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING SHARES. As of April 7, 1999, the Company had issued and outstanding 9,819,305 Shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,682,328 Shares of its Class B Common Stock (which is convertible into the Company's Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis). In addition, 57,327 Shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days. The 2,000,000 shares that the Company is offering to purchase represent approximately 17.3% of the total shares referred to in the two preceding sentences. As of April 7, 1999, the Company's directors and executive officers as a group (nine persons) beneficially owned (including 1,530,814 Shares of Class B Common Stock and 57,327 Shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to options exercisable within sixty days) an aggregate of 3,017,852 shares representing approximately 26.5% of the outstanding Class A and Class B Shares. If the Company purchases 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer and no Shares are acquired from the Company's executive officers and directors, then the Company's executive officers and directors as a group would own beneficially (including Shares issuable on the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days) approximately 31.6% of the outstanding Class A and Class B Shares immediately after the Offer (including Shares issuable on the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days). The Company is not aware of any of its directors, officers, or affiliates that will be tendering Shares pursuant to the Offer. Neither the Company, nor any subsidiary of the Company nor, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any of the Company's directors or executive officers, nor any affiliates of any of the foregoing, had any transactions in the Shares during the 40 business days prior to the date hereof. Except for outstanding options to purchase Shares granted from time to time to certain employees (including executive officers) of the Company and to outside directors on certain fixed dates pursuant to the Company's stock option plans, and except as otherwise described herein, neither the Company nor, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any of its affiliates, directors, or executive officers is a party to any contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship with any other person relating, directly or indirectly, to the Offer with respect to any securities of the Company including, but not limited to, any contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship concerning the transfer or the voting of any such securities, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guaranties of loans, guaranties against loss or the giving or withholding of proxies, consents, or authorizations. Page 24 of 32 11. EFFECTS OF THE OFFER ON THE MARKET FOR SHARES; REGISTRATION UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT. The Company's purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of Shares that might otherwise be traded publicly and may reduce the number of stockholders. However, the Company believes that there will still be a sufficient number of Shares outstanding and publicly traded following consummation of the Offer to ensure a continued trading market for the Shares and, based on the published guidelines of AMEX, continued listing of the Company's securities on AMEX. The Shares are currently "margin securities" under the rules of the Federal Reserve Board. This has the effect, among other things, of allowing brokers to extend credit to their customers using such Shares as collateral. The Company believes that, following the purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, the Shares will continue to be "margin securities" for purposes of the Federal Reserve Board's margin regulations. Shares the Company acquires pursuant to the Offer will be retained as treasury stock by the Company (unless and until the Company determines to retire such Shares) and will be available for the Company to issue without further stockholder action (except as required by applicable law and rules of AMEX or any securities exchange on which Shares are listed) for purposes including, but not limited to, the acquisition of other businesses, the raising of additional capital for use in the Company's business, and the satisfaction of obligations under existing or future stock option and employee benefit plans. The Company has no current plans for issuance of the Shares repurchased pursuant to the Offer. The Shares are registered under the Exchange Act, which requires, among other things, that the Company furnish certain information to its stockholders and the Commission and comply with the Commission's proxy rules in connection with meetings of the Company's stockholders. The Company believes that its purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer will not result in the Shares becoming eligible for deregistration under the Exchange Act. 12. CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS; REGULATORY APPROVALS. The Company is not aware of any license or regulatory permit that appears to be material to the Company's business that might be adversely affected by the Company's acquisition of Shares as contemplated herein or of any approval or other action by any government or governmental, administrative, or regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, that would be required for the acquisition or ownership of Shares by the Company as contemplated herein. Should any such approval or other action be required, the Company presently contemplates that such approval or other action will be sought. The Company is unable to predict whether it may determine that it is required to delay the acceptance for payment of or payment for Shares tendered pursuant to the Offering pending the outcome of any such matter. There can be no assurance that any such approval or other action, if needed, would be obtained or would be obtained without substantial conditions, or that the failure to obtain any such approval or other action might not result in adverse consequences to the Company's business. The Company's obligations under the Offer to accept for payment and pay for Shares are subject to certain conditions. See Section 6. 13. CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. The following summary describes certain United States federal income tax consequences relevant to the Offer. The discussion contained in this summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended to the date hereof (the "Code"), existing and proposed United States Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions, changes to which could materially affect the tax consequences described herein and could be made on a retroactive basis. This summary discusses only Shares held as capital assets, within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular stockholders in light of their personal Page 25 of 32 circumstances, or to certain types of stockholders (such as certain financial institutions, dealers in securities or commodities, insurance companies, tax- exempt organizations or persons who hold Shares as a position in a "straddle" or as part of a "hedging" or "conversion" or "constructive sale" transaction for United States federal income tax purposes). In particular, the discussion of the consequences of an exchange of Shares for cash pursuant to the Offer applies only to a United States stockholder (herein, a "Holder"). For purposes of this summary, a "United States stockholder" is a beneficial owner of the Shares who is: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State, or any political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of source; or (iv) a trust the administration of which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision and all substantial decisions of which one or more United States persons have the authority to control. This discussion does not address the tax consequences to foreign stockholders who will be subject to United States federal income tax on a net basis on the proceeds of their exchange of Shares pursuant to the Offer because such income is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Such stockholders are generally subject to tax in a manner similar to United States stockholders; however, certain special rules apply. Foreign stockholders who are not subject to United States federal income tax on a net basis should see Section 3 for a discussion of the applicable United States withholding tax rules and the potential for obtaining a refund of all or a portion of the tax withheld. This summary does not apply to foreign stockholders who hold, actually or constructively, more than 5% of the stock of the Company. Any such stockholder is strongly advised to consult its own tax advisor. This summary may not be applicable with respect to Shares acquired as compensation (including Shares acquired upon the exercise of options or which were or are subject to forfeiture restrictions). This summary also does not address the state, local, or foreign tax consequences of participating in the Offer. Each Holder of Shares should consult such Holder's tax advisor as to the particular consequences to it of participation in the Offer. Consequences to Tendering Holders of Exchange of Shares for Cash Pursuant to the Offer. An exchange of Shares for cash pursuant to the Offer by a Holder will be a taxable transaction for United States federal income tax purposes. As a consequence of the exchange, the Holder will, depending on such Holder's particular circumstances, be treated either as recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of the Shares or as receiving a dividend distribution from the Company. In general, if a Holder does not exercise control over the affairs of the Company and all Shares actually or constructively owned by such Holder under the applicable attribution rules are tendered and exchanged for cash in the Offer, the Holder should be treated as recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of Shares. Under Section 302 of the Code, a Holder will recognize gain or loss on an exchange of Shares for cash if the exchange: (i) results in a "complete termination" of all such Holder's equity interest in the Company; (ii) results in a "substantially disproportionate" redemption with respect to such Holder; or (iii) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the Holder. In applying each of the Section 302 tests, a Holder must take into account not only Shares actually owned by the Holder but also Shares owned by certain related individuals and entities that are constructively owned by such Holder pursuant to Section 318 of the Code. A Holder that exchanges all Shares actually or constructively owned by such Holder for cash pursuant to the Offer will be regarded as having completely terminated such Holder's equity interest in the Company. An exchange of Shares for cash will be a "substantially disproportionate" redemption with respect to a Holder if the percentage of the then outstanding Shares owned by such Holder immediately after the exchange is less than 80% of the percentage of the Shares owned by such Holder immediately before the exchange. If an exchange of Shares for cash fails to satisfy the "substantially disproportionate" test, the Holder may nonetheless satisfy the "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" test. A Holder who wishes to satisfy (or avoid) the "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" test is urged to consult such Holder's tax advisor because this test will be met only if the reduction in such Holder's proportionate interest in the Company constitutes a "meaningful reduction" given such Holder's particular facts and circumstances. The IRS has indicated in published rulings that any reduction in the percentage interest of a stockholder whose relative stock interest in a publicly held corporation is minimal (an interest of less than 1% should satisfy this requirement) and who exercises no control over corporate affairs should constitute such a "meaningful reduction." There is some authority that if a Holder sells Shares to persons other than the Company at or about the time such Holder also sells shares to the Company pursuant to the Offer, and the various sales Page 26 of 32 effected by the Holder are part of an overall plan to reduce or terminate such Holder's proportionate interest in the Company, then the sales to persons other than the Company may, for United States federal income tax purposes, be integrated with the Holder's sale of Shares pursuant to the Offer and, if integrated, may be taken into account in determining whether the Holder satisfies any of the three tests described above. A Holder should consult his, her, or its tax advisor regarding the treatment of other exchanges of Shares for cash which may be integrated with such Holder's sale of Shares to the Company pursuant to the Offer. If a Holder is treated as recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of Shares for cash, such gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and such Holder's tax basis in the Shares exchanged therefor. Any such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long- term capital gain or loss if the holding period of the Shares exceeds one year as of the date of the exchange. Any long-term capital gain recognized by Holders that are individuals, estates, or trusts will be taxable at a maximum rate of 20% if the holding period of the Shares exceeds 12 months. However, any short- term capital gain recognized by Holders that are individuals, estates, or trusts and any long-term or short-term capital gain recognized by Holders that are corporations will be taxable at regular income tax rates. If a Holder is not treated under the Section 302 tests as recognizing gain or loss on an exchange of Shares for cash, the entire amount of cash received by such Holder in such exchange will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for United States federal income tax purposes. Such a dividend will be includible in the Holder's gross income as ordinary income in its entirety, without reduction for the tax basis of the Shares exchanged, and no loss will be recognized. The Holder's tax basis in the Shares exchanged, however, will be added to such Holder's tax basis in the remaining Shares that the Holder owns. To the extent that cash received in exchange for Shares is treated as a dividend to a corporate Holder: (i) it will be eligible for a dividends-received deduction (subject to applicable limitations); and (ii) it will be subject to the "extraordinary dividend" provisions of the Code. A corporate Holder should consult its tax advisor concerning the availability of the dividends-received deduction and the application of the "extraordinary dividend" provisions of the Code. The Company cannot presently determine whether or the extent to which the Offer will be oversubscribed. If the Offer is oversubscribed, proration of tenders pursuant to the Offer will cause the Company to accept fewer shares than are tendered. Therefore, a Holder can be given no assurance that a sufficient number of such Holder's shares will be purchased pursuant to the Offer to insure that such purchase will be treated as a sale or exchange, rather than as a dividend, for United States federal income tax purposes pursuant to the rules discussed above. Consequences to Stockholders Who Do Not Tender Pursuant to the Offer. Stockholders who do not accept the Company's Offer to tender their Shares will not incur any tax liability as a result of the consummation of the Offer. See Section 3 with respect to the application of United States federal income tax withholding to payments made to foreign stockholders and backup withholding. THE TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT SUCH HOLDER'S OWN TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM, HER, OR IT OF THE OFFER, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS. 14. EXTENSION OF OFFER; TERMINATION; AMENDMENT. The Company expressly reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, at any time and from time to time, and regardless of whether or not any of the events set forth in Section 6 shall have occurred or shall be deemed by the Company to have occurred, to extend the period of time during which the Offer is open and thereby delay acceptance for payment of, and payment for, any Shares by giving oral or written notice of such extension to the Depositary and making a public announcement thereof. The Company also expressly reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to terminate the Offer Page 27 of 32 and not accept for payment or pay for any Shares not theretofore accepted for payment or paid for or, subject to applicable law, to postpone payment for Shares upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified in Section 6 hereof by giving oral or written notice of such termination or postponement to the Depositary and making a public announcement thereof. The Company's reservation of the right to delay payment for Shares which it has accepted for payment is limited by Rule 13e-4(f)(5) promulgated under the Exchange Act, which requires that the Company must pay the consideration offered or return the Shares tendered promptly after termination or withdrawal of a tender offer. Subject to compliance with applicable law, the Company further reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, and regardless of whether any of the events set forth in Section 6 shall have occurred or shall be deemed by the Company to have occurred, to amend the Offer in any respect (including, without limitation, by decreasing or increasing the consideration offered in the Offer to holders of Shares or by decreasing or increasing the number of Shares being sought in the Offer). Amendments to the Offer may be made at any time and from time to time effected by public announcement thereof, such announcement, in the case of an extension, to be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the last previously scheduled or announced Expiration Date. Any public announcement made pursuant to the Offer will be disseminated promptly to stockholders in a manner reasonably designed to inform stockholders of such change. Without limiting the manner in which the Company may choose to make a public announcement, except as required by applicable law, the Company shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by making a release to the Dow Jones News Service. If the Company materially changes the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, or if it waives a material condition of the Offer, the Company will extend the Offer to the extent required by Rules l3e-4(c)(2) and 13e-4(e)(2) promulgated under the Exchange Act. These rules require that the minimum period during which an offer must remain open following material changes in the terms of the Offer or information concerning the Offer (other than a change in price or a change in percentage of securities sought) will depend on the facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of such terms or information. If: (i) the Company increases or decreases the price to be paid for Shares or the number of Shares being sought in the Offer and, in the event of an increase in the number of Shares being sought, such increase exceeds 2% of the outstanding Shares; and (ii) the Offer is scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the tenth business day from, and including, the date that notice of an increase or decrease is first published, sent, or given in the manner specified in this Section 14, the Offer will then be extended until the expiration of such ten business days. 15. FEES AND EXPENSES. The Company has retained American Stock Transfer & Trust Company to act as Depositary and Georgeson & Company Inc. to act as Information Agent in connection with the Offer. The Information Agent may contact stockholders by mail, telephone, telegraph, and personal interviews and may request brokers, dealers, and other nominee stockholders to forward materials relating to the Offer to beneficial owners. The Information Agent and the Depositary will receive reasonable and customary compensation for their services as such, will be reimbursed by the Company for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, and will be indemnified against certain liabilities in connection with the Offer, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws. Neither the Information Agent nor the Depositary has been retained to make solicitations or recommendations in connection with the Offer. The Company will not pay fees or commissions to any broker, dealer, or other person for soliciting tenders of Shares pursuant to the Offer. The Company will, however, upon request through the Information Agent, reimburse brokers, dealers, and commercial banks for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by such persons in forwarding the Offer and related materials to the beneficial owners of Shares held by any such person as a nominee or in a fiduciary capacity. No broker, dealer, commercial bank, or trust company has been authorized to act as the agent of the Company for purposes of the Offer. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all stock transfer taxes, if any, on its purchase of Shares except as otherwise provided in Instruction 7 in the Letter of Transmittal. Page 28 of 32 16. MISCELLANEOUS. The Company is not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance with applicable law. If the Company becomes aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance with any valid applicable law, the Company will make a good faith effort to comply with such law. If, after such good faith effort, the Company cannot comply with such law, the Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) the holders of Shares residing in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction the securities or blue sky laws of which require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be deemed to be made on the Company's behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers license under the laws of such jurisdiction. Pursuant to Rule 13e-4 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, the Company has filed with the Commission an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 which contains additional information with respect to the Offer. Such Schedule 13E-4, including the exhibits and any amendments thereto, may be examined, and copies may be obtained, at the same places and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 9 with respect to information concerning the Company. NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE OR IN THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. Supreme Industries, Inc. April 12, 1999 Page 29 of 32 Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted from Eligible Institutions. The Letter of Transmittal and certificates for Shares and any other required documents should be sent or delivered by each stockholder or his, her, or its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee to the Depositary at its address set forth below. The Depositary for the Offer is: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 40 Wall Street 46th Floor New York, New York 10005 By Facsimile Transmissions: (718) 234-5001 (for Eligible Institutions only) Banks and Brokers Call: (718) 921-8200 All Others Call Toll Free: (800) 937-5449 Additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal, or other tender offer materials may be obtained from the Information Agent and will be furnished at the Company's expense. Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent as set forth below. Stockholders may also contact their local broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer. The Information Agent for the Offer is: Georgeson & Company Inc. Wall Street Plaza New York, New York 10005 Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 440-9800 All Others Call Toll Free: (800) 223-2064 EX-99.A2 3 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXHIBIT (a)(2) LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL to Tender Shares of Common Stock of Supreme Industries, Inc. PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE DATED APRIL 12, 1999 THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD, AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON MONDAY, MAY 10, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. THE DEPOSITARY FOR THE OFFER IS: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY 40 Wall Street 46th Floor New York, New York 10005 By Facsimile Transmission: (718) 234-5001 (for Eligible Institutions only) Confirm by Telephone: (800) 937-5499 PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, INCLUDING THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS, CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s) Shares Tendered (Please fill in exactly as name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) (Attach additional list if necessary) - ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Total Number of Shares Number Certificate Represented by of Shares Numbers (1) Certificate(s) Tendered(2) ----------- -------------- ----------- Total Shares:
Indicate in this box the order (by certificate number) in which Shares are to be purchased in the event of proration.(3) (Attach additional signed list if necessary.) See Instruction 14. 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: --- --- --- --- --- (1) Need not be completed by stockholders tendering Shares by book-entry transfer. (2) Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Shares represented by each Share certificate delivered to the Depositary are being tendered hereby. See Instruction 4. (3) If you do not designate an order, then in the event less than all Shares tendered are purchased due to proration, Shares will be selected for ------------ purchase by the Depositary. See Instruction 14. -------------------------- Delivery of this instrument to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of instructions via a facsimile number other than the one listed above will not constitute a valid delivery. Deliveries to the Company will not be forwarded to the Depositary and therefore will not constitute valid delivery. Deliveries to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility will not constitute valid delivery to the Depositary. This Letter of Transmittal is to be used only if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of Shares (as defined below) is to be made by book-entry transfer to the Depositary's account at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility") pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase (as defined below). Stockholders whose Share certificates are not immediately available, who cannot deliver certificates and any other documents required to the Depositary by the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Date must tender their Shares using the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. See Instruction 2. (BOXES BELOW FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY) CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH. - --- CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER TO - --- THE DEPOSITARY'S ACCOUNT AT THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: Name of Tendering Institution: --------------------------------------------- Account No.: --------------------------------------------------------------- Transaction Code No.: ------------------------------------------------------ CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF - --- GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: Name(s) of Registered Holder(s): ------------------------------------------- Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: ------------------------ Name of Institution that Guaranteed Delivery: ------------------------------ If delivery is by book-entry transfer: Name of Tendering Institution: ---------------------------------------- Account No.: ---------------------------------------------------------- Transaction Code No.: ------------------------------------------------- NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW. PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned hereby tenders to Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the above-described shares of its Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), at the price per Share indicated in this Letter of Transmittal, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase"), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"). Subject to, and effective upon, acceptance for payment of and payment for the Shares tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment), the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all right, title, and interest in and to all the Shares that are being tendered hereby or orders the registration of such Shares tendered by book-entry transfer that are purchased pursuant to the Offer to or upon the order of the Company, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Depositary the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares, with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to: (i) deliver certificates for such Shares, or transfer ownership of such Shares on the account books maintained by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of the Company upon receipt by the Depositary, as the undersigned's agent, of the Purchase Price (as defined below) with respect to such Shares; (ii) present certificates for such Shares for cancellation and transfer on the books of the Company; and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares, all in accordance with the terms of the Offer. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign, and transfer the Shares tendered hereby and that, when and to the extent the same are accepted for payment by the Company, the Company will acquire good, marketable, and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, encumbrances, conditional sales agreements, or other obligations relating to the sale or transfer thereof, and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment, and transfer of the Shares tendered hereby. The undersigned represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has read and agrees to all of the terms of the Offer. All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall not be affected by and shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer, this tender is irrevocable. The undersigned understands that tenders of Shares pursuant to any one of the procedures described in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase and in the Instructions will constitute the undersigned's acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer, as well as the undersigned's representation and warranty to the Company that: (i) the undersigned has a net long position in the Shares or equivalent securities being tendered within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); and (ii) the tender of such Shares complies with Rule 14e-4 of the Exchange Act. The Company's acceptance for payment of Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. The names and addresses of the registered holders should be printed, if they are not already printed above, exactly as they appear on the certificates representing Shares tendered hereby. The certificate numbers, the number of Shares represented by such certificates, the number of Shares that the undersigned wishes to tender, and the purchase price at which such Shares are being tendered should be indicated in the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal. The undersigned understands that the Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The undersigned understands that the Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment, and the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices greater than the Purchase Price and not withdrawn and Shares not purchased because of proration will be returned at the Company's expense. See Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase. The undersigned recognizes that, under certain circumstances set forth in the Offer to Purchase, the Company may terminate or amend the Offer or may postpone the acceptance for payment of, or the payment for, Shares tendered or may not be required to purchase any of the Shares tendered hereby or may accept for payment fewer than all of the Shares tendered hereby. Unless otherwise indicated herein under "Special Payment Instructions," please issue the check for the Purchase Price of any Shares purchased, and return any Shares not tendered or not purchased, in the name(s) of the undersigned (and, in the case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery Instructions," please mail the check for the Purchase Price of any Shares purchased and any certificates for Shares not tendered or not purchased (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned's signature(s). In the event that both "Special Payment Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are completed, please issue the check for the Purchase Price of any Shares purchased and return any Shares not tendered or not purchased in the name(s) of, and mail such check and any certificates to, the person(s) so indicated. The undersigned recognizes that the Company has no obligation, pursuant to the "Special Payment Instructions," to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Company does not accept for payment any of the Shares so tendered. The undersigned understands that acceptance of Shares by the Company for payment will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. PRICE (IN DOLLARS) PER SHARE AT WHICH SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED IF SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED AT MORE THAN ONE PRICE, A SEPARATE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR EACH PRICE SPECIFIED MUST BE USED. (See Instruction 5) CHECK ONLY ONE BOX. IF MORE THAN ONE BOX IS CHECKED, OR IF NO BOX IS CHECKED (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE ODD LOTS BOX AND INSTRUCTIONS BELOW), THERE IS NO VALID TENDER OF SHARES. $8.75 $9.00 $9.25 ---- ---- ---- $9.50 $9.75 $10.00 ---- ---- ---- ODD LOTS (See Instruction 9) This section is to be completed ONLY if Shares are being tendered by or on behalf of a person who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and who continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares. The undersigned either (check one box): owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and - --- continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares, all of which are being tendered, or is a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee that: - --- (i) is tendering, for the beneficial owners thereof, Shares with respect to which it is the record owner; and (ii) believes, based upon representations made to it by each such beneficial owner, that such beneficial owner owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and is tendering all of such Shares. If you do not wish to specify a purchase price, check the following box, in which case you will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price determined by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Offer (persons checking this box need not indicate the price per Share in the box entitled "Price (In Dollars) Per Share At Which Shares are Being Tendered" in this Letter of Transmittal).
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 6, 7 AND 8) (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 6 AND 8) To be completed ONLY if the check To be completed ONLY if the check for the for the aggregate Purchase Price Purchase Price of Shares purchased and/or of Shares purchased and certificates certificates for Shares not tendered or not for Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be mailed to someone other than purchased are to be issued in the the undersigned or to the undersigned at an name of someone other than the address other than that shown below the undersigned. undersigned's signature(s). Issue check and/or certificate(s) to: Issue check and/or certificate(s) to: --- --- --- --- Name: Name: ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- (Please Print) (Please Print) Address: Address: -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- (Include Zip Code) (Include Zip Code) - ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- (Tax Identification or Social Security No.) (Tax Identification or Social Security No.) - --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- (Book-Entry Transfer Facility Account Number) (Book-Entry Transfer Facility Account Number)
IMPORTANT PLEASE SIGN HERE (To be completed by all Stockholders) Signature(s) of stockholder(s): ------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated: , 1999 --------------------------- Name(s): ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Please Print) Capacity (Full Title): ---------------------------------------------------------- Address: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Include Zip Code) Area Code and Telephone No.: ---------------------------------------------------- (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on Share certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in- fact, officer of a corporation, or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 6.) Guarantee of Signature(s) (See Instructions 1 and 6) Firm Name: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Please Print) Authorized Signature: ----------------------------------------------------------- Title: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Include Zip Code) Area Code and Telephone Number: ------------------------------------------------- Dated: , 1999 -------------------- INSTRUCTIONS Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Offer 1. Guarantee of Signatures. Except as otherwise provided below, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member of a recognized signature guarantee or medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (an "Eligible Institution"), unless: (i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holders(s) of the Shares (which term, for purposes of this document, shall include any participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Shares) tendered herewith and such holder(s) have not completed the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal; or (ii) such Shares are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 6. 2. Delivery of Letter of Transmittal and Share Certificates; Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. This Letter of Transmittal is to be used either if Share certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Certificates for all physically delivered Shares, or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at the Book- Entry Transfer Facility of all Shares delivered electronically, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at its address set forth on the front page of this Letter of Transmittal prior to the Expiration Date. If certificates are forwarded to the Depositary in multiple deliveries, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal must accompany each such delivery. Stockholders whose Share certificates are not immediately available, who cannot deliver their Shares and all other required documents to the Depositary, or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Date must tender their Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery substantially in the form provided by the Company (with any required signature guarantees) must be received by the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the certificates for all physically delivered Shares in proper form for transfer by delivery, or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility of all Shares delivered electronically, in each case together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary within three trading days on AMEX after the date the Depositary receives such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as provided in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. The method of delivery of all documents, including Share certificates, the Letter of Transmittal, and any other required documents, is at the election and risk of the tendering stockholder, and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Depositary. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery. No alternative or contingent tenders will be accepted. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), the tendering stockholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of the Shares. 3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the certificate numbers and the number of Shares should be listed on a separate signed schedule and attached to this Letter of Transmittal. 4. Partial Tenders (Not Applicable to Stockholders Who Tender by Book-Entry Transfer). If fewer than all the Shares represented by any certificate delivered to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares that are to be tendered in the box entitled "Number of Shares Tendered." In such case, a new certificate for the remainder of the Shares represented by the old certificate will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, unless otherwise provided in the "Special Payment Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" boxes on this Letter of Transmittal, as promptly as practicable following the expiration or termination of the Offer. All Shares represented by certificates delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated. 5. Indication of Price at Which Shares Are Being Tendered. For Shares to be validly tendered, the stockholder must check the box indicating the price per Share at which such stockholder is tendering Shares under "Price (In Dollars) Per Share At Which Shares Are Being Tendered" in this Letter of Transmittal, except that Odd Lot Owners (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase) may check the box above in the section entitled "Odd Lots" indicating that such stockholder is tendering all Shares at the Purchase Price determined by the Company. ONLY ONE BOX MAY BE CHECKED. IF MORE THAN ONE BOX IS CHECKED OR (OTHER THAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE FOR ODD LOT OWNERS) IF NO BOX IS CHECKED, THERE IS NO VALID TENDER OF SHARES. A stockholder wishing to tender portions of such stockholder's Share holdings at different prices must complete a separate Letter of Transmittal for each price at which such stockholder wishes to tender each such portion of such stockholder's Shares. The same Shares cannot be tendered (unless previously validly withdrawn as provided in Section 4 of the Offer to Purchase) at more than one price. 6. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, the signatures(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without alteration, enlargement, or any change whatsoever. If any of the Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If any of the Shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on different certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign, and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof) as there are different registrations of such Shares. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers are required unless payment of the Purchase Price is to be made to, or Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be registered in the name of, any person other than the registered holder(s), in which case the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares tendered hereby must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on such certificates. Signatures on any such certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, certificates evidencing the Shares tendered hereby must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on such certificate(s). Signature(s) on any such certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1. If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate or stock power is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation, or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted. 7. Stock Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay or cause to be paid any stock transfer taxes with respect to the sale and transfer of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer. If, however, payment of the aggregate Purchase Price is to be made to, or Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be registered in the name of, any person other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered Shares are registered in the name of any person other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s), such other person or otherwise) payable on account of the transfer to such person will be deducted from the purchase price unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted. See Section 5 of the Offer to Purchase. Except as provided in this Instruction 7, it will not be necessary to affix transfer tax stamps to the certificates representing Shares tendered hereby. 8. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If a check for the purchase price of any Shares tendered hereby is to be issued in the name of, or any Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be returned to, a person other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, or if the check or any certificates for Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be mailed to someone other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown above in the box captioned "Description of Shares Tendered," then the boxes captioned "Special Payment Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed. Stockholders tendering Shares by book-entry transfer will have any Shares not accepted for payment returned by crediting the account maintained by such stockholder at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility from which such transfer was made. 9. Odd Lots. As described in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase, if fewer than all Shares validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date are to be purchased, the Shares purchased first will consist of all Shares tendered by any stockholder who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and who validly tendered all such Shares at or below the Purchase Price (including by not designating a purchase price as described above). Partial tenders of Shares will not qualify for this preference, and this preference will not be available unless the box captioned "Odd Lots" in this Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, if any, is completed. 10. Substitute Form W-9 and Form W-8. Under the United States federal income tax backup withholding rules, unless an exemption applies under the applicable law and regulations, 31 % of the gross proceeds payable to a stockholder or other payee pursuant to the Offer must be withheld and remitted to the United States Treasury, unless the stockholder or other payee provides such person's taxpayer identification number (employer identification number or social security number) to the Depositary and certifies that such number is correct. Therefore, each tendering stockholder must complete and sign the Substitute Form W-9 included as part of this Letter of Transmittal so as to provide the information and certification necessary to avoid backup withholding, unless such stockholder otherwise establishes to the satisfaction of the Depositary that it is not subject to backup withholding, Certain stockholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign stockholders) are not subject to these backup withholding requirements. To prevent possible erroneous backup withholding, an exempt holder must enter its correct taxpayer identification number in Part 1 of Substitute Form W-9, certify that such Stockholder is not subject to backup withholding in Part 2 of such form, and sign and date the form. See the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number or Substitute Form W-9 for additional instructions. In order for a foreign stockholder to qualify as an exempt recipient, a foreign stockholder must submit an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Form W-8 or a Substitute Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that stockholder's exempt status. Form W-8 may be obtained from the Depositary. 11. Withholding on Foreign Stockholders. Even if a foreign stockholder has provided the required certification to avoid backup withholding, the Depositary will withhold United States federal income taxes equal to 30% of the gross payments payable to a foreign stockholder or its agent unless: (A) the Depositary determines that a reduced rate of withholding is available pursuant to a tax treaty or that an exemption from withholding is applicable because such gross proceeds are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States; or (B) the foreign stockholder establishes to the satisfaction of the Company and the Depositary that the sale of Shares by such foreign stockholder pursuant to the Offer will qualify as a "sale or exchange," rather than as a distribution taxable as a dividend, for United States federal income tax purposes (see Section 13 of the Offer to Purchase). For this purpose, a foreign stockholder is any stockholder that is not: (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State or any political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of the source of such income; or (iv) a trust the administration of which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision and all substantial decisions of which one or more United States persons have the authority to control. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding pursuant to a tax treaty, a foreign stockholder must deliver to the Depositary a properly completed IRS Form 1001. In order to obtain an exemption from withholding on the grounds that the gross proceeds paid pursuant to the Offer are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, a foreign stockholder must deliver to the Depositary a properly completed IRS Form 4224. The Depositary will determine a stockholder's status as a foreign stockholder and eligibility for a reduced rate of, or an exemption from, withholding by reference to outstanding certificates or statements concerning eligibility for a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding (e.g., IRS Form 1001 or IRS Form 4224) unless facts and circumstances indicate that such reliance is not warranted. A foreign stockholder may be eligible to obtain a refund of all or a portion of any tax withheld if such stockholder meets the "complete redemption," "substantially disproportionate," or "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" test described in Section 13 of the Offer to Purchase or is otherwise able to establish that no tax or a reduced amount of tax is due. Each foreign stockholder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of United States federal income tax withholding, including eligibility for a withholding tax reduction or exemption and refund procedures. 12. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address and telephone number below. Requests for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal, or other tender offer materials may be directed to the Information Agent, and such copies will be furnished promptly at the Company's expense. Stockholders may also contact their local broker, dealer, commercial bank, or trust company for documents relating to, or assistance concerning, the Offer. 13. Irregularities. All questions as to the number of Shares to be accepted, the price to be paid therefor, and the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by the Company, in its reasonable discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders it determines not to be in proper form or the acceptance of or payment for which may, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer and any defect or irregularity in the tender of any particular Shares or any particular stockholder. No tender of Shares will be deemed to be validly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. None of the Company, the Depositary, the Information Agent, or any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, and none of them will incur any liability for failure to give any such notice. 14. Order of Purchase in Event of Proration. As described in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase, stockholders may designate the order in which their Shares are to be purchased in the event of proration. The order of purchase may have an effect on the United States federal income tax classification of any gain or loss on the Shares purchased. See Sections 1 and 13 of the Offer to Purchase. 15. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. Any stockholder whose certificates have been mutilated, lost, stolen, or destroyed should contact the Company's transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "Transfer Agent"), at 40 Wall Street, 46th Floor, New York, New York 10005 for further instructions as soon as possible. In the event of a mutilated, lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, certain procedures will be required to be completed before this Letter of Transmittal can be processed. Because these procedures may take a substantial amount of time to complete, notice of any mutilated, lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate should be provided to the Transfer Agent as soon as possible. IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR A FACSIMILE THEREOF) TOGETHER WITH SHARE CERTIFICATES OR CONFIRMATION OF BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY, OR THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY, PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. STOCKHOLDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO RETURN A COMPLETED SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 WITH THEIR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING REGISTERED HOLDERS OF SECURITIES PAYOR'S NAME: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY SUBSTITUTE Request for Taxpayer -------------------- Form W9 Identification Number and Certification Give form to the --------------------------------------- Department of the requester. Do NOT Treasury Internal Revenue Service send to the IRS. Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) --------- ------------ Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. For individuals, this is your Social Security Number social security number (SSN). However, if you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get a SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual OR taxpayer identification number. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see Obtaining a Number on page 2 of the Guidelines. Note: If the account is in more Employer identification number than one name, see the chart on Page 1 of the Guidelines for guidance on whose number to enter. Part 2 - Certification Under penalties of perjury, I certify that: 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding; or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends; or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding. Certification Instructions. - You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the Certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. (See the Guidelines on page 2.) Signature: Date: ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Part 3 - Awaiting TIN --- NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY CASH PAYMENTS. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me and that I mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office (or I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future). I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number to the payor within 60 days, the payor is required to withhold 31% of all reportable payments made to me thereafter until I provide a number. Signature Date: ------------------------------- ------------------------------ THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE OFFER IS: Georgeson & Company Inc. Wall Street Plaza New York, New York 10005 Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 440-9800 All Others Call Toll Free: (800) 223-2064 THE DEPOSITARY FOR THE OFFER IS American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 40 Wall Street 46th Floor New York, New York 10005 BANKS AND BROKERS CALL: (718) 921-8200 ALL OTHERS CALL TOLL-FREE: (800) 937-5449 GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYOR.-- Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00- 0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer.
For this Type Give the Social Security For this Type Give the Social Security of Account: Number of. of Account: Number of. 1. An individual's account The individual 8. Sole proprietorship The owner (4) account 2. Two or more individuals The actual owner of the account (joint account) or if combined funds, any one of 9. The valid trust, estate, The legal entity (Do not furnish the individuals on the account(l) or pension trust the trust identifying number of the personal representatives or trustee unless the 3. Husband and wife The actual owner of the account legal entity itself (joint account) or, if joint funds, either person is not designated in the account title.)(5) 4. Custodian account of a The minor(2) minor (Uniform Gift 10. Corporate account The corporation to Minors Act) 11. Religious, charitable The organization 5. Adult and minor The adult or, if the minor is the or educational (joint account) only contributor, the minor(l) 12. Partnership account The partnership 6. Account in the name The ward, minor, or held in the name of of guardian or committee incompetent person(3) the business for a designated ward, minor, or incompetent 13. Association, club, or The organization person other tax-exempt organization 7. The usual revocable The grantor-trustee(l) savings trust account 14. The broker or registered The broker or nominee (grantor is also trustee) nominee b. So-called trust The actual owner(l) 15. Account with the The public entity account that is not Department of Agriculture a legal or valid trust in the name of a public under State law entity (such as a State or local government, school district. or prison) that receives agricultural program payments
- --------------------------------- (1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on the account has a social security number, that person's number must be listed. (2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number. (3) Circle the ward's, minor's, or incompetent person's name and furnish such person's social security number. (4) Show the name of the owner. (5) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 PAGE 2 OBTAINING A NUMBER If you don't have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your number, obtain Form SS-5. Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form SS4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a number. PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following: - - A corporation. - - A financial institution. - - An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or an individual retirement plan. - - The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof. - - A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof. - - A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof. - - An international organization, or any agency or instrumentality thereof. - - A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or ---------- a possession of the U.S. - - A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. - - A real estate investment trust. - - A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a). - - A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or who is listed in the most recent publication of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, Inc., Nominee List. - - A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947. - - An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of 1940. - - A foreign central bank of issue. PAYMENTS EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup withholding include the following: - - Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441. - - Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and which have at least one nonresident partner. - - Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in money. - - Payments made by certain foreign organizations. - - Section 404(k) payments made by an ESOP. Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following: - - Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. However, if you pay $600 or more in interest in the course of your trade or business to a payee, you must report the payment. Backup withholding applies to the reportable payment if the payee has not provided a TIN or has provided an incorrect TIN. - - Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under section 852). - - Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to non-resident aliens. - - Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451. - - Payments made by certain foreign organizations. - - Mortgage interest paid to you. Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYOR. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM. Certain payments that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a), 6045, and 6050A. PRIVACY ACT NOTICE. Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividends, interest, or other payments to give Taxpayer Identification Numbers to Payers who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes. Payors must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payors must generally withhold 31% of taxable interest, dividends, and certain other payments to a Payee who does not furnish a Taxpayer Identification Number to a Payor. Certain penalties may also apply. PENALTIES (1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. If you fail to furnish your Taxpayer Identification Number to a Payor, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect (2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500. (3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION. Falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. (4) MISUSE OF TINS. If the requester discloses or uses TINS in violation of Federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE EX-99.A3 4 NOTICE OF GUARANTEED EXHIBIT (a)(3) SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK This form, or a form substantially equivalent to this form, must be used to accept the Offer (as defined below) if certificates for the shares of Common Stock of Supreme Industries, Inc. are not immediately available, if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, or if time will not permit all other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal to be delivered to the Depositary (as defined below) prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase defined below). Such form may be delivered by hand or transmitted by mail or overnight courier, or (for Eligible Institutions only) by facsimile transmission, to the Depositary. See Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. The Eligible Institution which completes this form must communicate the guarantee to the Depositary and must deliver the Letter of Transmittal and certificates for Shares to the Depositary within the time shown herein. Failure to do so could result in a financial loss to such Eligible Institution. The Depositary for the Offer is: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 40 Wall Street, 46/th/ Floor New York, New York 10005 Via Facsimile Transmission: (718) 234-5001 (for Eligible Institutions only) Banks and Brokers call: (718) 921-8200 All others call toll-free: (800) 937-5449 DELIVERY OF THIS INSTRUMENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE NUMBER OTHER THAN THE ONE LISTED ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. This form is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution under the instructions thereto, such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the signature box on the Letter of Transmittal. Ladies and Gentlemen: The undersigned hereby tenders to Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), of the Company listed below, pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Number of Shares: ----------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------ (Signature(s) - ---------------------------------------- Certificate Nos.: (if available) ------------------------------ ------------------------------ (Name(s) (Please Print) If shares will be tendered by book entry transfer: - ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Name of Tendering Institution ------------------------------ ------------------------------ - ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Account No. at The Depository Trust Company (Address(es) Dated: ---------------------------------- ------------------------------ (Area Code/Telephone Number) PRICE (IN DOLLARS) PER SHARE AT WHICH SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED IF SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED AT MORE THAN ONE PRICE, A SEPARATE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR EACH PRICE SPECIFIED MUST BE USED. (See Instruction 5.) CHECK ONLY ONE BOX. IF MORE THAN ONE BOX IS CHECKED, OR IF NO BOX IS CHECKED (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE ODD LOTS BOX AND INSTRUCTIONS BELOW), THERE IS NO VALID TENDER OF SHARES. ___$8.75 ____$9.00 ____$9.25 ___$9.50 ____$9.75 ____$10.00 ODD LOTS (See Instruction 9) This section is to be completed ONLY if Shares are being tendered by or on behalf of a person who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and who continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares. The undersigned either (check one box): ___ owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares, all of which are being tendered, or ___ is a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee that: (i) is tendering, for the beneficial owners thereof, Shares with respect to which it is the record owner; and (ii) believes, based upon representations made to it by each such beneficial owner, that such beneficial owner owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and is tendering all of such Shares. If you do not wish to specify a purchase price, check the following box, in which case you will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price determined by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Offer (persons checking this box need not indicate the price per Share in the box entitled "Price (In Dollars) Per Share At Which Shares are Being Tendered" in this Letter of Transmittal). ___ GUARANTEE (Not to Be Used for Signature Guarantee) The undersigned, a firm that is a member of a recognized signature guarantee or medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, hereby guarantees: (i) that the above-named person(s) has a net long position in the Shares being tendered within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii) that such tender of Shares complies with Rule 14e-4; and (iii) to deliver to the Depositary at its address set forth above certificate(s) for the Shares tendered hereby, in proper form for transfer, or a confirmation of the book-entry transfer of the Shares tendered hereby into the Depositary's account at The Depository Trust Company, in each case together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of Transmittal (or facsimile(s) thereof), with any required signature guarantee(s) and any other required documents, all within three trading days on the American Stock Exchange after the Depositary receives this Notice. - ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Name of Firm Authorized Signature - ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Address Name (Please Print) - ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- City, State, Zip Code Title - ---------------------------------- Area Code and Telephone Number Dated: ---------------------------- DO NOT SEND SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH THIS FORM. YOUR SHARE CERTIFICATES MUST BE SENT WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. EX-99.A4 5 BROKER, DEALER LETTER EXHIBIT (a)(4) SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH Up to 2,000,000 Shares of its Common Stock at A Purchase Price Not Greater Than $10.00 Nor Less Than $8.75 Per Share THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD, AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. April 12, 1999 To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies, and Other Nominees: We are enclosing the material listed below relating to the offer of Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon, specified by tendering stockholders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"). The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment and the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn and Shares not purchased because of proration will be returned at the Company's expense. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. This Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Shares being tendered. The Offer is, however, subject to certain other conditions. See Section 6 of the Offer to Purchase. We are asking you to contact your clients for whom you hold Shares registered in your name (or in the name of your nominee) or who hold Shares registered in their own names. Please bring the Offer to their attention as promptly as possible. The Company will, upon request, reimburse you for reasonable and customary handling and mailing expenses incurred by you in forwarding any of the enclosed materials to your clients. For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, we are enclosing the following documents: 1. The Offer to Purchase; 2. The Letter of Transmittal for your use and for the information of your clients; 3. A letter to stockholders of the Company from Herbert M. Gardner, Chairman of the Board; 4. The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Offer if the Shares and all other required documents cannot be delivered to the Depositary by the Expiration Date (each as defined in the Offer to Purchase); 5. A letter that may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you hold Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, with space for obtaining such clients' instructions with regard to the Offer; and 6. Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 providing Information relating to United States federal income tax backup withholding, We urge you to contact your clients as promptly as possible. Please note that the Offer, proration period, and withdrawal rights expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, unless the Offer is extended. The Company will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker, dealer, or other person for soliciting tenders of Shares pursuant to the Offer. The Company will, upon request, reimburse you for reasonable and customary handling and mailing expenses incurred by you in forwarding materials relating to the Offer to your customers. The Company will pay all stock transfer taxes applicable to its purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer, subject to Instruction 7 of the Letter of Transmittal. In order to take advantage of the Offer, a duly executed and properly completed Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents should be sent to the Depositary with either certificate(s) representing the tendered Shares or confirmation of their book-entry transfer, all in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Letter of Transmittal and the Offer to Purchase. As described in the Offer to Purchase, if more than 2,000,000 Shares (or such greater number of Shares as the Company may elect to purchase pursuant to the Offer) have been validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase) the Company will accept Shares for purchase in the following order of priority: (i) all Shares validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date by any stockholder who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and who continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and who validly tenders all of such Shares (partial tenders will not qualify for this preference) and completes the box captioned "Odd Lots" in the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and (ii) after purchase of all of the foregoing Shares, all other Shares validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date on a pro rata basis. The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Offer. However, neither the Company nor its Board of Directors makes any recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender Shares or refrain from tendering their Shares. Each stockholder must make the decision whether to tender Shares and, if so, how many Shares to tender and the price or prices at which Shares should be tendered. The Offer is being made to all holders of Shares, including, officers, directors, and affiliates of the Company. Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information Agent at its address and telephone number set forth on the back cover of the enclosed Offer to Purchase. Additional copies of the enclosed materials may be requested from the Information Agent. Very truly yours, Supreme Industries, Inc. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS THE AGENT OF THE COMPANY, THE INFORMATION AGENT, OR THE DEPOSITARY, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN. EX-99.A5 6 CLIENT LETTER EXHIBIT (a)(5) Supreme Industries, Inc. OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH Up to 2,000,000 Shares of its Common Stock at A Purchase Price Not Greater Than $10.00 Nor Less Than $8.75 Per Share THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD, AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. April 12, 1999 To Our Clients: Enclosed for your consideration are the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer") setting forth an offer by Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon, specified by tendering stockholders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. Also enclosed herewith is certain other material related to the Offer. The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per Share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. The Company will pay the Purchase Price for all Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the procedure pursuant to which Shares will be accepted for payment, and the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn and Shares not purchased because of proration will be returned at the Company's expense. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. See Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase. This Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Shares being tendered. The Offer is, however, subject to certain other conditions. See Section 6 of the Offer to Purchase. We are the holder of record of Shares held for your account. As such, a tender of such Shares can be made only by us as the holder of record and pursuant to your instructions. The Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for your information only and cannot be used by you to tender Shares held by us for your account. We request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender any or all of the Shares held by us for your account upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal. Your attention is invited to the following: (1) You may tender Shares at prices (in increments of $0.25), which cannot be greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share, as indicated in the attached Instruction Form, net to you in cash. (2) The Offer is for a maximum of 2,000,000 Shares, constituting approximately 17.3% of the total Shares outstanding as of April 12, 1999. The Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in Section 6 of the Offer to Purchase. (3) The Offer, proration period, and withdrawal rights will expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, unless the Offer is extended. Your instructions to us should be forwarded to us in ample time to permit us to submit a tender on your behalf. (4) As described in the Offer to Purchase, if at the expiration of the Offer more than 2,000,000 Shares (or such greater number of Shares as the Company may elect to purchase pursuant to the Offer) have been validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, the Company will purchase Shares in the following order of priority: (a) all Shares validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date by any stockholder who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and who continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and who validly tenders all of such Shares (partial tenders will not qualify for this preference) and completes the box captioned "Odd Lots" in the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and (b) after purchase of all the foregoing Shares, all other Shares validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, on a pro rata basis (with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchase of fractional shares). See Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase for a discussion of proration. (5) Tendering stockholders who are registered holders will not be obligated to pay any brokerage commissions, solicitation fees, or (subject to Instruction 7 of the Letter of Transmittal) stock transfer taxes, on the Company's purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer. However, a tendering stockholder who holds Shares through a broker, dealer, or custodian may be required by such entity to pay a service charge or other fee. (6) If you wish to tender portions of your Shares at different prices, you must complete a separate Instruction Form for each price at which you wish to tender each portion of your Shares. We must submit separate Letters of Transmittal on your behalf for each price you will accept. (7) If you owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continue to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares, and you instruct us to tender at or below the Purchase Price on your behalf all such Shares prior to the Expiration Date and check the box captioned "Odd Lots" in the Instruction Form, all such Shares will be accepted for purchase before proration, if any, of the other tendered Shares. The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Offer. However, neither the Company nor its Board of Directors makes any recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their Shares. Each stockholder must make the decision whether to tender Shares and, if so, how many Shares to tender and the price or prices at which Shares should be tendered. The Offer is being made to all holders of Shares, including officers, directors, and affiliates of the Company. If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Shares held by us for your account upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, please so instruct us by completing, executing, and returning to us the attached Instruction Form. An envelope to return your instructions to us is enclosed. If you authorize tender of your Shares, all such Shares will be tendered unless otherwise specified on the Instruction Form. Your instructions should be forwarded to us in ample time to permit us to submit a tender on your behalf by the expiration date of the Offer. The Offer is being made to all holders of Shares. The Company is not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance with applicable law. If the Company becomes aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance with any valid applicable law, the Company will make a good faith effort to comply with such law. If, after such good faith effort, the Company cannot comply with such law, the Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) the holders of Shares residing in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction the securities or blue sky laws of which require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer is being made on the Company's behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. INSTRUCTION FORM WITH RESPECT TO OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH UP TO 2,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. AT A PURCHASE PRICE NOT GREATER THAN $10.00 NOR LESS THAN $8.75 PER SHARE The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed Offer to Purchase dated April 12,1999, and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer") in connection with the Offer by Supreme Industries, Inc. (the "Company") to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share, net to the undersigned in cash without interest thereon, specified by the undersigned, upon the terms and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer. This will instruct you to tender to the Company the number of Shares indicated below (or, if no number is indicated below, all Shares) that are held by you for the account of the undersigned, at the price per Share indicated below, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer. ____ By checking this box, all Shares held by us for your account will be tendered. If fewer than all Shares held by us for your account are to be tendered, please check the following box and indicate below the aggregate number of Shares to be tendered by us. _____* ______ SHARES *Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Shares held by us for your account are to be tendered. PRICE (IN DOLLARS) PER SHARE AT WHICH SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED. IF SHARES ARE BEING TENDERED AT MORE THAN ONE PRICE, A SEPARATE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR EACH PRICE SPECIFIED MUST BE USED. (See Instruction 5) CHECK ONLY ONE BOX. IF MORE THAN ONE BOX IS CHECKED, OR IF NO BOX IS CHECKED (EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE ODD LOTS BOX AND INSTRUCTIONS BELOW), THERE IS NO VALID TENDER OF SHARES. ___$8.75 ____$9.00 ____$9.25 ___$9.50 ____$9.75 ____$10.00 ODD LOTS (See Instruction 9) This section is to be completed ONLY if Shares are being tendered by or on behalf of a person who owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and who continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares. The undersigned either (check one box): ___ owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares, all of which are being tendered, or ___ is a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee that: (i) is tendering, for the beneficial owners thereof, Shares with respect to which it is the record owner; and (ii) believes, based upon representations made to it by each such beneficial owner, that such beneficial owner owned beneficially as of the close of business on April 12, 1999, and continues to own beneficially as of the Expiration Date, an aggregate of fewer than 100 Shares and is tendering all of such Shares. If you do not wish to specify a purchase price, check the following box, in which case you will be deemed to have tendered at the Purchase Price determined by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Offer (persons checking this box need not indicate the price per Share in the box entitled "Price (In Dollars) Per Share At Which Shares are Being Tendered" in this Letter of Transmittal). The method of delivery of this document is at the election and risk of the tendering stockholder. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery. SIGN HERE: Date: --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Signature(s) - -------------------------------- Area Code and Telephone Number Name -------------------------- - ------------------------------- Taxpayer Identification or Address Social Security Number ----------------------- ------------------------------ - ------------------------------- Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number EX-99.A6 7 LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS 4/12/1999 EXHIBIT (a)(6) April 12, 1999 Dear Stockholder: Supreme Industries, Inc. is offering to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per share. The Company is conducting the Offer through a procedure commonly referred to as a "Dutch Auction." This procedure allows you to select the price within the specified price range at which you are willing to sell all or a portion of your shares to the Company. The Offer is explained in detail in the enclosed Offer to Purchase and Letter of Transmittal. If you wish to tender your shares, instructions on how to tender shares are provided in the enclosed materials. I encourage you to read these materials carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offer. Neither the Company nor its Board of Directors makes any recommendation to any stockholder whether to tender any or all shares. Please note that the Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, unless extended by the Company. Questions regarding the Offer should be directed to Georgeson & Company Inc.,Wall Street Plaza, New York, New York 10005, the Information Agent for the Offer, at the telephone number set forth in the enclosed materials. Sincerely, Herbert M. Gardner Chairman of the Board EX-99.A7 8 FORM OF SUMMARY ADVERTISEMENT EXHIBIT (a)(7) This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares. The Offer is made solely by the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal. Capitalized terms not defined in this announcement have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer is not being made to, nor will the Company accept tenders from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Offer or its acceptance would violate that jurisdiction's law. The Company is not aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or the tender of Shares would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. In jurisdictions whose laws require that the Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be deemed to be made on the Company's behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. NOTICE OF OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH by SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. UP TO 2,000,000 SHARES OF ITS CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK AT A PURCHASE PRICE NOT GREATER THAN $10.00 NOR LESS THAN $8.75 PER SHARE Supreme Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), invites its stockholders to tender shares of its Class A and Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), to the Company at prices not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share in cash, as specified by tendering stockholders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated April 12, 1999 (the "Offer to Purchase") and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"). THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD, AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Shares being tendered. The Offer is, however, subject to certain other conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer provides stockholders who are considering a sale of all or a portion of their Shares the opportunity to determine the price or prices (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share) at which they are willing to sell their Shares and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, to sell those Shares for cash without the usual transaction costs associated with market sales. The Company is making the Offer because the Board of Directors believes that the Shares are undervalued and that the purchase of the Shares is an attractive use of the Company's financial resources. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS APPROVED THE OFFER. NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO STOCKHOLDERS AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING THEIR SHARES. EACH STOCKHOLDER MUST MAKE THE DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES AND, IF SO, HOW MANY SHARES TO TENDER AND THE PRICE OR PRICES AT WHICH SHARES SHOULD BE TENDERED. THE OFFER IS BEING MADE TO ALL HOLDERS OF SHARES INCLUDING OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND AFFILIATES OF THE COMPANY. The Company will, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, determine the lowest single per share price (not greater than $10.00 nor less than $8.75 per Share), net to the seller in cash without interest thereon (the "Purchase Price"), that will allow it to purchase 2,000,000 Shares (or such lesser number of Shares as is validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the Offer. All Shares validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn will be purchased at the Purchase Price, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the proration provisions. Certificates representing Shares tendered at prices in excess of the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, and Shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned at the Company's expense. The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999, unless and until the Company in its reasonable discretion shall have extended the period of time during which the Offer is open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall refer to the latest time and date at which the Offer, as so extended by the Company, shall expire. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 Shares pursuant to the Offer. For purposes of the Offer, the Company will be deemed to have accepted for payment (and therefore purchased), subject to proration, Shares that are validly tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn only when, as, and if it gives oral or written notice to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (in such capacity), the "Depositary," of its acceptance of such Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. In all cases, payment for Shares tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will be made promptly (subject to possible delay in the event of proration), but only after timely receipt by the Depositary of certificates for such Shares (or a timely confirmation of a book- entry transfer of such Shares into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof), and any other required documents. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if, at the expiration of the Offer, more than 2,000,000 Shares (or such greater number of Shares as the Company may elect to purchase pursuant to the Offer) have been validly tendered at prices at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn, the Company will purchase validly tendered and not withdrawn Shares in the following order of priority: (a) first from all Odd Lot Holders who validly tendered all their Shares at or below the Purchase Price and who so certify in the appropriate place on the Letter of Transmittal and, if applicable, on the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and (b) second, after the purchase of all of the foregoing Shares, all other Shares tendered at or below the Purchase Price and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date on a pro rata basis (with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchase of fractional Shares). The Company expressly reserves the right at any time or from time to time, in its reasonable discretion, to extend the period of time during which the Offer is open by giving notice of such extension to the Depositary and making a public announcement thereof. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, the Company also expressly reserves the right to terminate the Offer and not accept for payment my Shares not theretofore accepted for payment. Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date. For a withdrawal to be effective, the Depositary must receive a notice of withdrawal in written, telegraphic, or facsimile transmission form in a timely manner at its address set forth on the back cover of the Offer to Purchase. Such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person who tendered the Shares to be withdrawn, the name of the registered holder (if different from that of the person who tendered the Shares), the number of Shares tendered, and the number of Shares to be withdrawn. If the certificates for Shares to be withdrawn have been delivered or otherwise identified to the Depositary, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the tendering stockholder must also submit the serial numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing the Shares, and the signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (except in the case of Shares tendered by an Eligible Institution). If Shares have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for Book-Entry Transfer, the notice of withdrawal must specify the name and the number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn Shares and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. The Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal contain important information which should he read carefully before stockholders decide whether to accept or reject the Offer and, if accepted, at which price or prices to tender their Shares. The information required to be disclosed by Rule 13(e)-4(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is contained in the Offer to Purchase and is incorporated herein by reference. These materials are being mailed to record holders of Shares and are being furnished to brokers, banks, and similar Persons whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on the Company's stockholder list or, if applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing for transmittal to beneficial owners of Shares. Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to, and additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal, and other tender offer materials may be obtained from, the Information Agent and will be furnished at the Company's expense. Stockholders may also contact their local broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer. The Information Agent for the Offer is: Georgeson & Company Inc. Wall Street Plaza New York, New York 10005 Bankers and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 440-9800 All Others Call Toll Free: (800) 223-2064 EX-99.A8 9 PRESS RELEASE EXHIBIT (a)(8) [LOGO OF SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. APPEARS HERE] For Immediate Release Contact: Robert W. Wilson Executive Vice President (219) 642-3070 Supreme Industries Commences 2,000,000 Share Dutch Auction Repurchase GOSHEN, INDIANA, (April 12, 1999) - Supreme Industries, Inc. (AMEX:STS), a leading manufacturer of specialized truck bodies and shuttle buses, announced today that it is commencing a "Dutch Auction" self-tender offer to purchase for cash up to 2,000,000 shares of its issued and outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share. The tender offer begins on Monday, April 12, 1999, and expires (unless extended) at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, May 10, 1999. Terms of the tender offer, which are described more fully in the Offer to Purchase and Letter of Transmittal, invite the Company's stockholders to tender up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock to the Company at prices not greater than $10, nor less than $8.75 per share, as specified by the tendering stockholders. The Company's Class B Common Stock is convertible into the Company's Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. The Company will, subject to the terms and conditions of the offer, determine the lowest single per share price (not greater than $10 nor less than $8.75 per share) net to the seller in cash that will allow the Company to purchase 2,000,000 shares (or such lesser number of shares as are validly tendered and not withdrawn) pursuant to the offer. Such lowest single per share price will be the purchase price the Company will pay for all shares validly tendered at prices at or below such purchase price and not withdrawn (subject to the terms and conditions of the offer). Shares tendered at prices in excess of the purchase price, and shares not purchased because of proration, will be returned at the Company's expense. The Company reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to purchase more than 2,000,000 shares pursuant to the offer. Herbert M. Gardner, Chairman of the Company, said "Considering our confidence in the future of Supreme Industries and the current trading range of our Class A Common Stock, the Board of Directors has determined that the repurchase of our stock is an appropriate investment and is in the long-term best interest of our shareholders. At the same time, our offer provides an opportunity to those who wish to sell shares in what has been a difficult market for small capitalization stocks." [LOGO OF SUPREME INDUSTRIES, INC. APPEARS HERE] Neither the Company nor its Board of Directors makes any recommendation to any shareholder as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering shares pursuant to the offer. The offer is being made to all holders of the Company's Common Stock including officers, directors, and affiliates of the Company. The Depositary is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, and the Information Agent is Georgeson & Company Inc. The Offer to Purchase, Letter of Transmittal, and related documents will be mailed to stockholders of record and will also be made available for distribution to beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock. Additional copies may be obtained from Georgeson & Company Inc., Wall Street Plaza, New York, New York 10006. Telephone: (800) 223-2064. - -------------------------- 65140 U.S. 33 East P.O. Box 237 Goshen, IN 46527-0237 Phone: (219) 642-3070 FAX: (219) 642-3208 EX-99.B1 10 COMMITMENT LETTER Exhibit (B)(1) [LETTERHEAD OF NBD APPEARS HERE] April 8, 1999 Mr. William J. Barrett Secretary Supreme Industries, Inc. PO Box 463 Goshen, IN 46527 Dear Mr. Barrett: NBD Bank is pleased to advise you we have approved the financing proposed for Supreme Industries, Inc. Subject to your acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in this letter, the Bank agrees to extend the following credit facility. Borrower - -------- Supreme Industries, Inc. and Supreme Corporation Amount and Type - --------------- Up to a $20,000,000 Unsecured Five Year Term Loan with a Seven Year commercial amortization. The Term Loan repayment would be structured with quarterly principal and interest payments. Earnings Recapture Provision - ---------------------------- Additional principal payments would be required based upon an earnings recapture provision of 20% of annual net income over $5,000,000. The additional principal payment requirement would be capped at $1,000,000. Prepayment - ---------- Borrower may prepay all of a portion of the Loan without penalty, except any portion of any loan as to which an election for a continuation of or a conversion to a Eurodollar Rate Loan is pending. Purpose - ------- Purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Supreme Industries, Inc. stock at a price not to exceed $10 per share. [NBD LOGO APPEARS HERE] Interest Rate - ------------- T/L to T/N/W LIBOR PLUS ------------ ---------- 1.26 to 2.50 115 basis points 0.76 to 1.25 100 basis points Less than 0.75 90 basis points Term - ---- Five years from date of funding. Guarantors - ---------- The following entities shall jointly and severally guaranty all indebtedness of the Borrower to the Bank: Supreme Corp. of Texas, Supreme Truck Bodies of California, Supreme Mid-Atlantic, Supreme/Murphy Truck Bodies, SC Tower Structural Laminating, Inc., SC Freedom One, Inc., Atlantic Sales Corporation Covenants (Subject to final negotiation between the Borrower and the Bank) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Current Ratio not less than 1.50:1.00. 2. Debt Service Coverage not less than 1.40:1.00. 3. Tangible Net Worth not less than $28,000,000 increasing annually by 50% of net income. 4. Total liabilities to Tangible Net Worth not to exceed 2.50:1.00 Fees and Expenses - ----------------- Borrower agrees to pay a facility fee of 1/4 of 1% at the time of closing. Borrower also agrees to reimburse the Bank for all its out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable legal fees. Reporting Requirements - ---------------------- 1. Annual Audited financial statement. 2. Annual form 10-K. 3. Quarterly form 10-Q. 4. Monthly financial statement. Miscellaneous - ------------- This loan commitment is a summary proposal and is subject to the final negotiation of loan covenants and formal documentation. This documentation will be an amendment to the existing credit agreement as amended. If there is any difference between the terms and conditions to this letter and the loan documents, the terms and conditions of the loan documents shall govern. Expiration - ---------- This loan proposal shall expire April 30, 1999 unless extended by the Bank. [NBD LOGO APPEARS HERE] We appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with Supreme. As always please call me should you have any questions. If you accept the terms and conditions above, please indicate your acceptance in the space provided below and return a copy to me. Sincerely, /s/ Daniel C. Oakley Daniel C. Oakley Vice President Corporate Banking Accepted and agreed on April 9, 1999. Supreme Industries, Inc. By: /s/ William J. Barrett --------------------------------- William J. Barrett, Secretary -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----