-----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, BrwkAi7MF8PMOseUfPyqt7TEE63NsqS60wtGHAqWKqkkpAczUGKVHCBWks45KT1p xrw+d60nzn0qzLqv9IDZKA== 0001157523-04-008591.txt : 20040916 0001157523-04-008591.hdr.sgml : 20040916 20040916150921 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001157523-04-008591 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEFA14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040916 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20040916 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20040916 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MONDAVI ROBERT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000902276 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: BEVERAGES [2080] IRS NUMBER: 942765451 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEFA14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-21624 FILM NUMBER: 041033629 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7801 ST HELENA HWY STREET 2: PO BOX 106 CITY: OAKVILLE STATE: CA ZIP: 94562 BUSINESS PHONE: 7072599463 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7801 ST HELENA HWY CITY: OAKVILLE STATE: CA ZIP: 94562 DEFA14A 1 a4721902.txt ROBERT MONDAVI DEFA14A SCHEDULE 14A (Rule 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, For Use of the [ ] Definitive Proxy Statement Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2)) [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [X] Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 THE ROBERT MONDAVI CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: -------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: -------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): --------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: -------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Total fee paid: -------------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount previously paid: --------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: --------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Filing Party: --------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Date Filed: --------------------------------------------------------------------- GROWER LETTER RTP September 14, 2004 Dear [personalize with name]: As you know from our ongoing conversations, Robert Mondavi Corporation is undergoing a significant evolution designed to better serve the changing needs of our market and the demands of our consumers. Today, we emerge from our Board of Directors meeting with a new strategy that will be announced to the public. Unveiling the New Strategy The Robert Mondavi Corporation has announced that we will focus our efforts entirely on our lifestyle brands. We understand that this is a significant change. However, it is important to recognize that our current lifestyle portfolio accounts for more than 80% of our revenues and profitability. The reality is that we have been a lifestyle company for a long time. We first launched lifestyle wines in order to reach the broader population with the pleasures of wine, and that quest continues. In fact, it will continue with an unrelenting focus and an ability to bring a host of quality wines at accessible prices to consumers. We believe that we have the ability to become the leading premium lifestyle wine company in the world. We have a keen understanding of consumer insights that has helped us to develop powerful brands like Woodbridge, which is the #1 wine brand in the world, in its segment. We have seen impressive growth with Robert Mondavi Private Selection, when other wines in its segment are in decline. And we have had proven success in launching new wines like Papio. Our commitment to quality is steadfast. We are dedicated to producing the highest quality wine for consumers to enjoy every day. We understand what it takes to effectively manage vineyards, and appreciate how your partnership has helped us in creating high quality wines that delight our consumers. In general, we anticipate that under this new business model, we will rely even more heavily on our outside grower partnerships. Our lifestyle business is incredibly successful, yet can improve on maximizing its potential. The lifestyle category is where we believe a successful future lies for our company. Moving forward, the new acutely focused Robert Mondavi Corporation will be anchored by Woodbridge and Robert Mondavi Private Selection. We will serve the broad popular market with our existing high quality value wines as well as exciting new products, like Papio. 1 As a result of this direction, we will pursue the divestiture our luxury assets. These assets include: Robert Mondavi Winery and its vineyards--we are taking actions to ensure that Robert Mondavi Winery endures as one of the world's great wine estates. Opus One Luce della Vite Lucente Ornellaia Sena Arboleda The Byron Winery and its vineyards The Arrowood Winery and its vineyards Grand Archer R. Michael Mondavi's Role Changes We also need to tell you that, Michael Mondavi has decided to limit his role with the company to serving as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. As a founder of the Robert Mondavi Winery, Michael Mondavi has helped shape our Company from its inception. The entire management team - past and present - are very grateful for all of his contributions and wish him the best. Impact to Employees Frankly, the most difficult decision we had to make as leaders concerns the impact to our employee population. However, as we sell certain parts of the business, we have identified that our new business model does not need the same number of employees. While some of these changes are a result of selling certain facilities, other come as we try and right-size the organization given our new lifestyle focus. Therefore, we will be notifying employees affected by job cuts. We will be saying goodbye to many friends and colleagues who have contributed to our success in the past. We thank them for their contributions. Culturally and professionally, it will be challenging to go through this change. However, we understand the importance of our relationship, and will strive to minimize the impact felt to your business. 2 Ensuring a Smooth Transition We anticipate that there will be challenges in making these changes over the next few months. However, we understand the importance of our relationship, and will strive to minimize the impact felt to your business. Working with Growers Moving Forward These are evolving times. While some challenges will be energizing as we share our plans on how we'll build the business together for the future; others will be more difficult as we transition out of the luxury wine business. We will be reaching out to you shortly to discuss how this announcement may impact your business. If you have questions before I have the opportunity to call, please don't hesitate to call me directly. Sincerely, Greg Evans Chief Executive Officer Robert Mondavi Corporate Important Information for Investors and Shareholders - ---------------------------------------------------- In connection with the proposed recapitalization plan, The Robert Mondavi Corporation will file a combined proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AS IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECAPITALIZATION PLAN AND RELATED MATTERS. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO FREE COPIES OF THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (WHEN AVAILABLE) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BY THE COMPANY THROUGH THE SEC WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND RELATED MATERIALS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FOR FREE (WHEN AVAILABLE) FROM THE COMPANY BY DIRECTING A REQUEST TO THE OMPANY'S INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 841 LATOUR COURT, NAPA, CA 94558; TELEPHONE (707) 251-4850; E-MAIL MOND@ROBERTMONDAVI.COM. The Company and its directors, executive officers, certain members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered to be participants in the solicitation of the Company's shareholders in connection with the proposed recapitalization plan is set forth in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 filed with the SEC on September 26, 2003 and proxy statement for its 2003 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on October 28, 2003. Additional information regarding such persons and a description of their direct and indirect interests in the recapitalization plan will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. 3 Forward-looking Statements - -------------------------- This announcement and other information provided from time to time by the company contain historical information as well as forward-looking statements about the company, the premium wine industry and general business and economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements include, for example, projections or predictions about the company's future growth, consumer demand for its wines, including new brands and brand extensions, margin trends, anticipated future investment in vineyards and other capital projects, the premium wine grape market and the premium wine industry in general. Actual results may differ materially from the company's present expectations. Among other things, a soft economy, a downturn in the travel and entertainment sector, risk associated with continued conflict in the Middle East, reduced consumer spending, or changes in consumer preferences could reduce demand for the company's wines. Similarly, increased competition or changes in tourism to the company's California properties could affect the company's volume and revenue growth outlook. The supply and price of grapes, the company's most important raw material, is beyond the company's control. A shortage of grapes might constrict the supply of wine available for sale and cause higher grape costs, putting more pressure on gross profit margins. A surplus of grapes might allow for greater sales and lower grape costs, but it might also result in more competition and pressure on selling prices or marketing spending. Interest rates and other business and economic conditions could increase significantly the cost and risks of projected capital spending. The separation of the company into two operating units may impair management's ability to focus on other needed areas of business execution. There are also significant risks associated with separating the company's sizeable sales force into two operating units. Some of the company's strategic alternatives would involve lay offs and significant restructuring changes which could materially impair future earnings. For additional cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information, please refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these and other reasons, no forward-looking statement by the company can or should be taken as a guarantee of what will happen in the future. ### 4 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----