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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

[X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 or

[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 for the transition period from ______ to ______.


Commission File No. 0-17871

EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 36-3548019
------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

Route 67 & Knoxville Road, Milan, Illinois 61264
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number including area code (309) 787-7700

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [_]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant was $28,419,732 as of April 20, 1999.

The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value one cent
$(0.01) per share, outstanding on April 20, 1999 was 10,938,548.

Documents incorporated by reference include:

1) Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement expected to be filed with the
Commission on or about May 10, 1999 with respect to the annual meeting of
shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

1 of 52 Pages

Exhibit Index appears on page 50


FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1999
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT




TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I


Item 1: Business 3

Item 2: Properties 9

Item 3: Legal Proceedings 10

Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 10

Item 4a: Executive Officers of the Registrant 11



PART II


Item 5: Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Sharholder Matters 12

Item 6: Selected Financial Data 13

Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14

Item 7a: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk 20

Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 21

Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures 47



PART III


Item 10: Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 47

Item 11: Executive Compensation 47

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 47

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 47



PART IV


Item 14: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 48


2


PART I


ITEM 1: BUSINESS
- ----------------

General

Eagle Food Centers, Inc. (the "Company" or "Eagle"), is a Delaware Corporation.
Eagle is a leading regional supermarket chain operating 89 supermarkets as of
fiscal year end in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa, north, central and
eastern Illinois, eastern Iowa, and the Chicago/Fox River Valley and
northwestern Indiana area under the trade names "Eagle Country Market(R)" and
"BOGO's." Most Eagle supermarkets offer a full line of groceries, meats, fresh
produce, dairy products, delicatessen and bakery products, health and beauty
aids and other general merchandise, and in certain stores, prescription
medicine, video rental, floral service, in-store banks, dry-cleaners and coffee
shops.

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31st. Fiscal
1998, 1997, and 1996 were 52-week years ending January 30, 1999, January
31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, respectively.

Talon Insurance Company ("Talon"), formed in the State of Vermont in 1994 to
provide insurance for Eagle's workers' compensation and general liability
claims, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Food Centers, Inc. Prior to the
formation of Talon, Eagle used paid loss and retro programs through external
insurance companies.

Store Development and Expansion

Eagle Country Markets represent the Company's full line supermarket format which
was introduced by management in 1991. Of the 88 Eagle Country Markets, 21 have
been opened as new stores and 67 have been remodeled or otherwise converted to
the Eagle Country Market format. In the new stores, extra space has been devoted
to expanded perishable departments, tying together produce, full-service
delicatessen, service bakery, service seafood and meat departments, and, in
certain stores, floral, video rental departments, prescription medicine, dry-
cleaners, coffee shops and in-store banks. All newly built Eagle Country Markets
are designed to encourage shoppers to walk through the higher margin "Power
Aisle," which includes extensive perishable offerings. Eagle Country Markets
range in size from 16,500 to 67,500 square feet, with the majority of the stores
ranging from 30,000 to 67,500 square feet. The pricing strategy in the Eagle
Country Markets is to offer overall lower prices than comparable supermarket
competition. The Company also operates one BOGO's Food and Deals, which uses a
limited assortment format covering approximately 2,000 stock keeping units of
groceries, produce, meat, health and beauty aids, and general merchandise.

Management intends to concentrate its future store development strategy around
the Eagle Country Market supermarket format. As part of its store development
program, management continuously reviews the performance of all its stores and
expects to implement a variety of strategies, including converting or modifying
certain store formats and selling, subleasing or otherwise closing
underperforming stores.

The Company is pursuing an aggressive store development program to identify
markets for new stores and obtain the best potential new store locations
available in any target market for openings over the next two to five years.
Management intends to focus the Company's new store development within existing
markets or new markets within a 300 mile radius of its headquarters and central
distribution facility in Milan, Illinois, where the utilization of existing
distribution, marketing and support systems is advantageous to its cost
structure. Within these markets, the Company expects to select sites for its
stores based on factors such as existing competition, demographic composition
and available locations.

3


The Company opened three new stores in fiscal 1998. The Company opened one new
store subsequent to fiscal year end, currently has two new stores under
construction, and plans to open one additional new store during fiscal 1999. In
addition, the Company is in the process of expanding one store and completing a
major remodel on one store, and plans to expand two additional stores and
complete major remodels on three additional stores during fiscal 1999. The
Company closed four stores during fiscal 1998, and plans to close three
additional stores during fiscal 1999.

The Company prefers to lease stores from local developers and pursues this
strategy wherever appropriate and cost effective. The Company completed one
sale/leaseback transaction in fiscal 1996, one in 1997, and six in 1998 in order
to reduce the amount of capital committed to real estate. As of year end, the
Company owned 12 of its stores, two of which were classified in "Property held
for resale," and leased 77 operating stores and 17 subleased or closed stores.

The Company continues to seek opportunities for growth through the acquisition
of other supermarket retail companies or individual stores to achieve economies
of scale relating to office and distribution functions.

Store Operations

The Company's geographic market is divided into six districts, each having a
District Manager who is responsible for approximately 15 stores. Districts and
stores operate with a certain degree of autonomy to take advantage of local
market and consumer needs. Districts and stores are responsible for store
operations, associate recruitment and development, community affairs and other
functions relating to local operations.

Store managers are given relatively broad discretion in tailoring merchandise
and services to the needs of customers in the particular community. Associate
involvement and participation has been encouraged through meetings with the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, district meetings and a store management
incentive bonus program for sales and earnings improvement.

Computer and Information Systems

In February, 1996, the Company outsourced its MIS function and signed a long-
term contract with MCI Systemhouse, Inc. (formerly SHL Systemhouse, Inc.) to
assume complete responsibility for Eagle's MIS organization. In connection with
the migration from mainframe to client/server technology, the Company
renegotiated this contract with an effective period from January 27, 1999 to
December 31, 1999. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company accrued
$2.9 million, payable in 12 equal monthly installments in calendar 1999, for
costs associated with the migration from mainframe to client/server technology.
The charge primarily relates to future lease costs relating to the mainframe,
and various related software, software licenses and contracting costs.

Eagle management uses technology as a means of enhancing productivity,
controlling costs, providing an easier shopping experience for customers and
learning more about shopper's buying habits. Eagle has embraced client/server
technology and successfully completed the replacement of all mainframe-based
legacy systems with new, client/server systems subsequent to the end of the
fiscal year.

Eagle has been successful in implementing and integrating several new
client/server systems that will equip Eagle for processing into the next
century. These new systems, which support essential business functions,
include:

. Warehouse and Distribution
. Purchasing and Inventory Control
. Pricing and Shelf Label Management

4


. Eagle Savers Card Promotional Offers
. Financial Applications including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts
Receivable, Fixed Assets, Purchasing and Capital Projects
. Store Systems Controllers - Operating Systems and Supermarket Applications
. Store Applications for Cash Management, DSD Receiving, and Time and
Attendance

MCI Systemhouse has identified the scope of work that will need to be completed
to ensure that Eagle's systems are Year 2000 compliant. The primary systems that
need to be upgraded to Year 2000 compliant releases are:

. Human Resources - Payroll and Benefits
. Store Systems Controllers - Operating Systems and Supermarket Applications
. Purchasing and Inventory Control
. Warehouse and Distribution
. Pricing and Shelf Label Management
. DSD Receiving and Time and Attendance

Eagle expects to complete the implementation and integration of two additional
new client/server systems in 1999:

. Store Application for Labor Scheduling
. Category Management/Retail Point-of-Sale Data Mining

The Company is currently converting to IBM 4690 generation software for its
point-of-sale systems. The Company is continuing to utilize a Unix processor
together with database marketing software to store and analyze customer-specific
shopping data for targeted marketing. See "Year 2000 Matters" for further
discussion of computer and information systems.

Merchandising Strategy

Eagle's strategy is to strengthen its perception as a price leader compared to
other supermarket competitors and to strengthen its image as a high quality,
service-oriented supermarket chain and provider of high quality perishables. The
Company strives to offer its customers one-stop shopping convenience and price
value for all of their food and general merchandise shopping needs.

Customer Service - Eagle delivers a wide variety of customer services. Most
stores provide customer services such as video rental, check cashing, film
processing, lottery ticket and money order sales, and UPS shipping. All stores
provide quick, friendly checkout service. Management intends as part of its
current strategy to further enhance customer service through additional training
of store associates, as well as incentive programs linked to customer
satisfaction ratings.

5


Corporate Brands (Private Label) - Corporate brand sales are an important
element in Eagle's merchandising plan. The Company became a member of the Topco
Associates, Inc. buying organization in 1994 and has engaged Daymon Associates,
Inc. as its "corporate brand" broker. Eagle has a strong penetration in many
categories with its Lady Lee brand. In 1995 the Company entered into an
agreement with Topco to carry World Classics premium corporate brand products
and in 1996 introduced the Valu Time label for the low price corporate brand
niche.

Selection - A typical Eagle store carries over 23,000 items, including food,
general merchandise and specialty department items. The Company carries
nationally advertised brands and an extensive selection of top quality corporate
brand products. All stores carry a full line of dairy, frozen food, health and
beauty aids and selected general merchandise. In addition, most stores have
service delicatessens and bakeries and some stores provide additional specialty
departments such as ethnic food items, floral service, seafood service, beer,
wine, liquor, prescription medicine, dry-cleaners, coffee shops and in-store
banking facilities.

Promotion - The Company's promotion and merchandising strategy focuses on its
image as a high-quality, service-oriented supermarket chain while reinforcing
its reputation for price leadership and high quality perishables. Eagle has
utilized the Eagle Savers' Card for several continuity promotions and for
electronic coupon discounts. Through its store personnel, the Company takes an
active interest in the communities in which it operates. The Company also
contributes funds, products and services to local charities and civic groups.

Consumer Research - The Company utilizes consumer research to track customer
attitudes and the market shares of the Company and its competitors. The Company
also has a continuous program of soliciting customer opinions in all of its
market areas through the use of in-store customer comment cards. This data
enables management to respond to changing consumer needs, direct advertising to
specific customer perceptions and evaluate store services and product offerings.

Advertising Strategy

The Company utilizes a broad range of print and broadcast advertising in the
markets it serves. In addition, the Company seeks co-op advertising
reimbursements from vendors. The additional co-op advertising has allowed the
Company to broaden its exposure in various media.

The Company eliminated its in-house advertising department in 1993. These
services are now being purchased from third-party providers. This allowed the
Company to take advantage of technological advances in layout, desktop
publishing and production more quickly than if the Company had attempted to
develop such technology internally.

Purchasing and Distribution

The majority of the Company's stores are located within 200 miles from the
Company's central distribution facility in Milan, Illinois. This complex
includes the Company's executive offices, warehouse, areas used for receiving,
shipping and trailer storage, and a truck repair facility.

The Company supplies approximately 75% of its stores' inventory requirements
from its 935,332 square foot central distribution facility (which includes
approximately 189,072 square feet of refrigerated and freezer space). The
remaining 25% of the stores' inventory requirements are delivered direct to the
store. The Company's purchasing and warehousing functions are managed through
its central merchandising system.

The Company's purchasing and distribution operations permit rapid turnover at
its central distribution facility, allowing its stores to offer consistently
fresh, high-quality dairy products, meats, produce, bakery items and frozen
foods. Also, centralized purchasing and distribution reduces the Company's cost
of merchandise and

6


related transportation costs by allowing the Company to take advantage of volume
buying opportunities and manufacturers' promotional discounts and allowances and
by minimizing vendor distribution costs. The Company engages in forward buying
programs to take advantage of temporary price discounts. Due to its proximity to
Chicago and other major markets, the Company is able to reduce transportation
costs included in cost of goods sold by "backhauling" merchandise to its Milan
central distribution facility.

Competition

The food retailing business is highly competitive. The Company is in direct
competition with national, regional and local chains as well as independent
supermarkets, warehouse stores, membership warehouse clubs, supercenters,
limited assortment stores, discount drug stores and convenience stores. The
Company also competes with local food stores, specialty food stores (including
bakeries, fish markets and butcher shops), restaurants and fast food chains. The
principal competitive factors include store location, price, service,
convenience, product quality and variety. The number and type of competitors
vary by location, and the Company's competitive position varies according to the
individual markets in which the Company does business. The Company's principal
competitors operate under the trade names of Cub, Dominicks, Hy-Vee, Jewel Osco,
Kmart, Kroger, Shop-N-Save, Target and Wal-Mart (Supercenters and Sam's Clubs).
Management believes that the Company's principal competitive advantages are its
value perception, the attractive Eagle Country Market store format,
concentration in certain markets and expansion of service and product offerings.
The Company is at a competitive disadvantage to some of its competitors due to
having unionized associates.

Supercenters continue to open in trade areas served by the Company. Four Wal-
Mart Supercenters opened in fiscal 1996, followed by six in 1997 and three more
in 1998. Additional supercenter openings by Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target and Meijer
are likely in the next several years. Not only does this format add new grocery
square footage to the market, but it offers traditional grocery products at low
prices to attract customers to the location with the intent to draw them to the
general merchandise side of the store. These new competitors operate at a
significant cost advantage to supermarkets by using mostly part-time, non-union
employees.

Trademarks, Trade Names and Licenses

The Company uses various trademarks and service marks in its business, the most
important of which are the "Eagle Country Market /"TM"/", "5-Star Meats(R)",
"Lady Lee(R)", "Eagle Savers' Card/"TM"/" and "Harvest Day(R)" trademarks, and
the "Eagle(R)" and "Eagle Country Market(R)" service marks. Each such trademark
is federally registered. Pursuant to a trademark license agreement (the
"Trademark License Agreement") entered into with the Company's former parent,
Lucky Stores, Inc., the Company has been granted the royalty-free use of the
"5-Star Meats(R)", "Lady Lee(R)" and "Harvest Day(R)" trademarks until
November 30, 2007. The Trademark License Agreement permits the Company to use
the licensed trademarks only in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan,
Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Minnesota. Lucky Stores, Inc. has agreed not to
grant to any other person the right to use such trademarks in the states of
Illinois, Indiana and Iowa during the period of the license to the Company.

7


Associates and Labor Relations

At the end of fiscal 1998, the Company had 6,495 associates, 341 of whom were
management and administrative associates and 6,154 of whom were hourly
associates. Of the Company's hourly associates, substantially all are
represented by 21 collective bargaining agreements with 17 separate locals which
are associated with two international unions. Store associates are represented
by several locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers; warehouse
associates, warehouse drivers and office and clerical workers are represented by
Teamsters Local 371. Twelve contracts will expire during 1999, covering 67% of
the Company's associates. The Company expects to negotiate with the unions and
to enter into new collective bargaining agreements. There can be no assurance,
however, that such agreements will be reached without a work stoppage. A
prolonged work stoppage affecting a substantial number of stores could have a
material adverse effect on results of the Company's operations.

The Company values its associates and believes that its relationship with them
is good. Several associate relations programs have been introduced, including
measures that allow associates to participate in store-level decisions, an
associate stock purchase program, preferential discounts and a 401(k) savings
plan.

8


ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
- -------------------

Stores

The Company operated 89 stores as of the fiscal year end, ranging in size from
16,500 to 67,500 square feet, with an average size of 38,942 square feet. Twelve
of the Company's stores are owned in fee by the Company, two of which are
classified in "Property held for resale". The Company is the lessee for the
remaining 77 operating stores and 17 subleased or closed stores. The Company
sold and leased back six of its stores in fiscal 1998, one in fiscal 1997 and
one in fiscal 1996.

Selected statistics on Eagle retail food stores are presented below:



Fiscal Year Ended
----------------------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------ -----------

Average total sq. ft. per store 38,942 37,756 37,281
Average total sq. ft. selling space per store 28,694 27,835 27,460

Stores beginning of year 90 92 92
Opened during year 3 1 2
Expansions/major remodels (1) 3 5 1
Closed during year 4 3 2
Stores end of year 89 90 92

Size of stores at end of year:
Less than 25,000 sq. ft. 5 5 5
25,000 - 29,999 sq. ft. 22 25 28
30,000 - 34,999 sq. ft. 4 5 5
35,000 - 44,999 sq. ft. 37 38 38
45,000 sq. ft. or greater 21 17 16

Type of stores:
Eagle Country Markets 88 76 74
Eagle Food Centers - 13 17
BOGO's Food and Deals 1 1 1



(1) A major remodeling project which costs $300,000 or more for 1998 and 1997,
and $100,000 for 1996.

Eagle stores contain various specialty departments such as full service
delicatessen (86 stores), bakery (85 stores), floral (63 stores), video rentals
(49 stores), pharmacy (19 stores), seafood (30 stores), alcoholic beverages (81
stores), and in-store banks (22 stores).

9




Most of the leases for the stores contain renewal options for periods ranging
from five to 30 years. The Company is required to pay fixed rent and a
percentage (ranging from 1.0% to 1.5%) of its gross sales in excess of stated
minimum gross sales amounts under 76 of the leases, which includes 14 closed
stores. The Company has subleases on approximately 11 former store locations and
has six vacant former store properties with continuing rent obligations of which
the Company is attempting to dispose. For additional information on leased
premises, see Note H in the notes to the consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this document.

Central Distribution and Bakery Facilities

The Company leases its central distribution facility under a lease expiring in
2007. The Company's central distribution facility contains a total of 935,332
square feet of space.

The Company operated a central bakery in a 49,000 square foot leased facility
located in Rock Island, Illinois, three miles from the central distribution
facility. The Company sold the bakery operations in fiscal 1998, realizing a
gain of $1.0 million on $1.6 million of proceeds.

During 1996, the Company terminated the lease on its Westville, Indiana
warehouse. The Company incurred a net cash outflow of $9.1 million for the
transaction. The transaction had no impact on earnings, as the cost was
previously reserved, and was financed through the Company's revolving credit
facility.

For the most part, store fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements and
transportation and office equipment are owned by the Company. The total cost of
the Company's ownership of property and equipment is shown in Note E of the
notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

A complaint alleging discrimination in employment was filed against the Company
in 1994 in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
by two current and one former associates individually and as representative of a
class of all individuals who are similarly situated. The Plaintiffs moved for
class certification and their motion was granted. In 1997, the Court granted
the Company's motion to narrow the scope of the class. The Company denies all
substantive allegations of the Plaintiffs and of the class. The Company and all
the Plaintiffs have recently reached an agreement in principal to settle the
lawsuit and the parties are awaiting final approval of the settlement from the
Court. The Company is subject to various other unresolved legal actions which
arise in the normal course of its business. It is not possible to predict with
certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of the
possible loss.

ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999.

10


ITEM 4a: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- ---------------------------------------------

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the persons
who are executive officers of the Company:




Name Age Position(s) Held
---- --- ----------------

Robert J. Kelly 54 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief
Executive Officer, and President
S. Patric Plumley 50 Senior Vice President - Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary
Byron O. Magafas 42 Vice President - Human Resources


The business experience of each of the executive officers during the past five
years is as follows:

Mr. Kelly, who was named Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive
Officer and President on March 30, 1998, joined the Company as President and
Chief Executive Officer in May 1995. Prior to May 1995, Mr. Kelly was Executive
Vice President, Retailing for The Vons Companies, Inc., and was employed by that
company since 1963. Mr. Kelly has 36 years of experience in the supermarket
industry.

Mr. Plumley, who was named Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and
Corporate Secretary on March 1, 1999, served the Company as Vice President -
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary from March 30, 1998 and Vice President and
Corporate Controller from September 15, 1997 until his promotions. Prior to
September 1997, Mr. Plumley served as Senior Vice President of American Stores'
Super Saver Division from 1994 to 1997, and Senior Vice President of Lucky
Stores, Inc. from 1990 to 1994. Mr. Plumley has 26 years of experience in the
supermarket industry.

Mr. Magafas joined the Company as Vice President - Human Resources in November
1997. Prior to November 1997, Mr. Magafas was Director of Human Resources for
the St. Louis Division of SuperValu Inc. from 1993 to 1997. For the period from
1986 to 1993, Mr. Magafas had been with Wetterau Incorporated, first as Labor
Relations Counsel and then as Director of Labor Relations. Mr. Magafas has 13
years of experience in the supermarket industry.

The Company's directors are elected annually to serve until the next annual
meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected and
qualified. None of the directors or executive officers listed herein is related
to any other director or executive officer of the Company.

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers,
directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC
regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file.

To the Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports
furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were
required, during the two fiscal years ended January 30, 1999 all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten-
percent beneficial owners were in compliance.

11


PART II

ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company's common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market System under the
symbol "EGLE". The stock began trading on July 27, 1989. The following table
sets forth, by fiscal quarter, the high and low sale prices reported by the
NASDAQ National Market System for the periods indicated. As of April 20, 1999
there were approximately 2,371 beneficial holders of shares.



Year Ended
January 30, 1999
----------------
High Low

First Quarter $4 5/8 $3 3/4
Second Quarter 4 15/16 2 7/8
Third Quarter 3 3/8 1 7/8
Fourth Quarter 4 3/16 3



Year Ended
January 31, 1998
----------------
High Low

First Quarter $5 3/8 $3 5/8
Second Quarter 7 3/8 4 3/4
Third Quarter 6 3/8 4 1/4
Fourth Quarter 5 1/2 3 5/16


There were no dividends paid in fiscal 1998 or 1997. The indenture underlying
the Company's Senior Notes and the Revolving Credit Agreement contain
restrictions on the payment of dividends. (See Note F of the notes to the
Company's consolidated financial statements). The Company does not intend to
pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

12


ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- -------------------------------

The following table represents selected financial data of the Company on a
consolidated basis for the five fiscal years ended January 30, 1999.

The selected historical financial data for the five fiscal years ended January
30, 1999 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the
Company. The three fiscal years ended January 30, 1999 have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, and are included in this Form 10-K.

The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with
the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes included
elsewhere in this document.



Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
January 30, January 31, February 1, February 3, January 28,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in thousands) (53 Weeks)

Consolidated Operating Data:
Sales $943,805 $967,090 $1,014,889 $1,023,664 $1,015,063
Gross margin 232,975 243,644 256,242 254,355 242,452
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 203,220 208,133 218,253 227,460 221,408
Voluntary severance program(1) - - - - 6,917
Store closing, asset revaluation and
lease termination(2) 2,925 - 1,700 6,519 -
Depreciation and amortization 18,885 19,068 20,494 23,555 23,578
-------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss) 7,945 16,443 15,795 (3,179) (9,451)
Interest expense 11,870 11,751 12,547 15,497 14,780
-------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes & extraordinary charge (3,925) 4,692 3,248 (18,676) (24,231)
Income taxes (benefit) - (400) - (609) (5,357)
Extraordinary charge(3) - - - 625 -
-------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $ (3,925) $ 5,092 $ 3,248 $ (18,692) $ (18,874)
======== ======== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per common
share - diluted $ (.36) $ .45 $ .29 $ (1.68) $ (1.71)

Consolidated Balance
Sheet Data (at year-end):
Total assets $283,315 $257,619 $ 251,124 $ 261,218 $ 306,994
Total debt (including capital leases) 138,770 116,147 109,297 117,123 137,872
Total shareholders' equity 28,386 32,237 26,688 23,921 42,485


(1) Represents a charge of $6.9 million for a voluntary severance program for
approximately 600 clerks in the Chicago area in fiscal 1994.
(2) Represents a $2.9 million charge related to future lease costs for the
mainframe, and various related software, software licenses and contracting
costs in connection with the migration from mainframe to client/server
technology in fiscal 1998. Represents a charge of $1.7 million to provide
for costs of closed stores and asset revaluations in fiscal 1996. Represents
a charge of $6.5 million to reduce book value of certain assets to estimated
fair value for asset impairment in fiscal 1995. See Notes B, D and H of the
notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this document.
(3) Represents a charge of $625,000 related to the refinancing of the Revolving
Credit Facility in fiscal 1995.

13


ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain key operating statistics as a percentage
of sales for the periods indicated:



Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
January 30, January 31, February 1, February 3, January 28,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------

(53 Weeks)
Operations Statement Data:
Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Gross margin 24.68 25.19 25.25 24.85 23.89
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 21.53 21.52 21.51 22.22 21.81
Voluntary severance program - - - - 0.68
Store closing, asset revaluation
and lease termination 0.31 - 0.17 0.64 -
Depreciation and amortization
expenses 2.00 1.97 2.02 2.30 2.32
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Operating income (loss) 0.84 1.70 1.56 (0.31) (0.92)
Interest expense 1.26 1.22 1.24 1.51 1.46
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes & extraordinary charge (.42) 0.48 0.32 (1.83) (2.38)
Income taxes (benefit) - (.04) - (.06) (.53)
Extraordinary charge - - - 0.06 -
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings (loss) (.42) 0.52 0.32 (1.83) (1.85)
====== ====== ====== ====== ======


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Sales


Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
------------ ----------- -----------

Sales $943,805 $967,090 $1,014,889
Percent Change (2.4)% (4.7)% (0.9)%
Same Store Change (2.3)% (5.2)% 1.7 %


Sales for fiscal 1998 were $943.8 million, a decrease of $23.3 million or 2.4%
from fiscal 1997. Same store sales decreased 2.3% from fiscal 1997 to fiscal
1998. Same store sales decreases are attributed primarily to competitive store
openings during the year. The Company was operating 89 stores as of the end of
fiscal 1998 and 90 stores at the end of fiscal 1997.

14


Sales for fiscal 1997 were $967.1 million, a decrease of $47.8 million or 4.7%
from fiscal 1996. Same store sales decreased 5.2% from fiscal 1996 to fiscal
1997. Same store sales decreases are attributed primarily to competitive store
openings during the year. The Company was operating 90 stores as of the end of
fiscal 1997 and 92 stores at the end of fiscal 1996.

Gross Margin

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 24.68% in fiscal 1998 from
25.19% in fiscal 1997 and decreased from 25.25% in fiscal 1996. Gross margin was
$10.7 million or 4.4% lower in fiscal 1998 than in fiscal 1997 due to volume-
related decreases of $5.9 million and a $4.8 million decrease primarily due to
increased promotional activity. The decrease in gross margin in fiscal 1997 is
primarily the result of increased promotional activities. Gross margin included
a charge for LIFO in fiscal 1998 of .07% of sales, in fiscal 1997 of .08% of
sales, and in fiscal 1996 of .07% of sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were
21.53% in fiscal 1998 compared to 21.52% in fiscal 1997 and 21.51% in fiscal
1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.9 million or 2.4%
lower in fiscal 1998 than fiscal 1997 primarily due to lower sales, increased
associate productivity, a $1.0 million gain on the sale of the bakery and a $2.1
million temporary reduction in associate benefit costs (health and welfare),
partially offset by increased costs relating to strategic systems initiatives of
$3.4 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $10.1 million or
4.6% lower in fiscal 1997 than 1996 due to lower sales, increased associate
productivity and a one time $2.7 million reduction in associate benefit costs
(pension).

Provision for Store Closing, Asset Revaluation and Lease Termination

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company accrued $2.9 million, payable
in 12 equal monthly installments in calendar 1999, for costs associated with the
migration from mainframe to client/server technology. The charge primarily
relates to future lease costs relating to the mainframe, and various related
software, software licenses and contracting costs. Such charge is included in
the caption "Store closing, asset revaluation and lease termination" in the
consolidated statements of operations.

During fiscal 1998 the Company benefited $0.6 million from favorable lease
terminations and changes in estimates for six stores that were included in the
reserve at January 31, 1998, and from $0.2 million in favorable changes in
estimates for stores remaining in the reserve at January 30, 1999. Additionally
during fiscal 1998, the Company added two stores to the reserve for which $0.8
million was provided for estimated future costs. During fiscal 1997 the costs to
close three stores of $0.6 million and provide for $1.9 million of estimated
future costs on stores to be closed was offset by $1.2 million of favorable
lease terminations and $1.3 million of favorable changes in estimates on closed
stores. The fiscal 1996 charge was primarily related to $2.0 million of costs
associated with certain sublease cancellations, net of $0.3 million of changes
in estimates on existing closed stores. (See Note D to the Company's
consolidated financial statements, "Reserve for Closed Stores").

The Company closed four stores during fiscal 1998, three stores during fiscal
1997, and two stores during fiscal 1996.

15


Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of sales was 2.00% in
fiscal 1998 as compared to 1.97% in fiscal 1997 and 2.02% in fiscal 1996.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.2 million or 1.0% lower in fiscal
1998 than fiscal 1997 due to a number of assets being fully depreciated in
fiscal 1997, offset partially by increased depreciation on capital lease assets
and amortization of software costs. The decrease in depreciation expense in 1997
primarily relates to a number of assets being fully depreciated in 1996 and
1997. There were two replacement stores and one new store opened in fiscal 1998,
one new store opened in fiscal 1997 and two new replacement stores opened in
fiscal 1996.

Operating Income

Operations for fiscal year 1998 resulted in operating income of $7.9 million or
0.84% of sales compared to operating income of $16.4 million or 1.70% of sales
during fiscal 1997 and operating income of $15.8 million or 1.56% of sales in
fiscal 1996. Operating income decreased due primarily to gross margin decreases,
increased costs related to strategic systems initiatives and the charge for
costs associated with the migration from mainframe to client/server technology,
partially offset by the reduction in selling, general and administrative costs.
The operating income in 1997 increased due to expense reductions in selling,
general and administrative costs, including lower associate benefit costs,
depreciation and interest, partially offset by sales reductions resulting from
the decrease in sales volume. The fiscal 1996 loss includes a store closing and
asset revaluation charge of $1.7 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to 1.26% of sales in fiscal 1998 compared to 1.22% of
sales in fiscal 1997 and 1.24% of sales in fiscal 1996. Interest expense
increased in fiscal 1998 due to increased interest on capital lease obligations,
and decreased in fiscal 1997 due to lower weighted average short term borrowings
as compared to the prior fiscal year.

Net Earnings (Loss)

The Company recognized a net loss of $3.9 million or $0.36 per share on a
diluted basis for fiscal 1998 compared to net earnings of $5.1 million or $0.45
per share on a diluted basis for fiscal 1997 and net earnings for fiscal 1996 of
$3.2 million or $0.29 per share on a diluted basis. The weighted average common
shares outstanding were 10,936,559, 10,919,720 and 10,863,554 for fiscal years
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

No tax benefit was recognized in fiscal 1998 as the Company is in a net
operating loss carryforward position. The fiscal 1997 and 1996 tax provision
benefited from the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards that were not
previously recognized. Valuation allowances have been established for the entire
amount of net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of future
recoverability. (See Note I to the Company's consolidated financial statements.)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash flows from operating activities were $21.1 million in fiscal 1998
compared to $8.5 million in fiscal 1997 and $24.2 million in fiscal 1996. The
1998 increase as compared to 1997 is due primarily to a $9.1 million decrease in
inventories, compared to an increase of $8.2 million in 1997. The fiscal 1997
decrease as compared to 1996 related primarily to a $12.4 million increase in
inventory and receivables and other assets compared to a decrease in such
amounts in 1996. Working capital changes provided $2.5 million of cash in fiscal
1998 compared to a use of $18.4 million of cash in fiscal 1997 and to a use of
$4.8 million of cash in fiscal 1996.

16


Capital expenditures totaled $39.7 in fiscal 1998, $21.6 million in fiscal 1997,
and $12.8 million in fiscal 1996, including $19.2 million, $6.1 million and $4.6
million invested in property held for resale in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

The following table summarizes store development and planned reductions:



Planned
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1999 1998 1997
------- ------ ------

New stores 4 3 1
Store closings 3 4 3
Expansions and major remodels 7 3 5
Store count, end of year 90 89 90


The Company is planning capital expenditures of approximately $55.2 million in
fiscal 1999, which is expected to be funded primarily from internally generated
cash flows, sale/leaseback transactions and short-term borrowings from the
Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company owned 12 of its 89 stores as of January 30, 1999, two of which were
included in "Property held for resale," and leased the remainder. Six stores
were sold and leased back providing $31.0 million of proceeds during fiscal
1998, one store was sold and leased back providing $2.8 million of proceeds
during fiscal 1997 and one store was sold and leased back providing $3.5 million
of proceeds during fiscal 1996.

State insurance reserve requirements for funds held in escrow by third parties
to satisfy claim liabilities recorded for workers' compensation, automobile and
general liability costs have been reduced by $3.8 million. These funds will be
returned to Eagle from November 1, 1998 to October 31, 1999, primarily through
the elimination of funding requirements for workers' compensation and general
liability loss projections for this period.

The Company completed a three-year agreement in May of 1995 with Congress
Financial Corporation (Central) for a $40 million Revolving Credit Facility,
which replaced its existing revolving credit facility. The Revolving Credit
Facility is secured by inventories located at the Company's central distribution
facility and stores and is intended to provide for the Company's short term
liquidity needs and capital expenditures. This agreement has been extended to
April 15, 2000, and the terms provide for availability up to a maximum of $50
million. There were no cash borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit
Facility at January 30, 1999. See Note F to the consolidated financial
statements.

17


The following table summarizes borrowing and interest information:



Fiscal 1998 Fiscal 1997 Fiscal 1996
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in millions)

Borrowed as of year-end $ -- $ 7.2 $ --
Letters of Credit as of year-end $ -- $ -- $ 1.8
Maximum amount outstanding during year $ 10.3 $ 13.8 $ 11.1
Average amount outstanding during year $ 0.9 $ 1.0 $ 1.4
Weighted average interest rate 9.2% 9.3% 9.3%


The Company expects to be in compliance with all covenants for fiscal 1999 based
on management's estimates of fiscal 1999 operating results, cash flows and
capital expenditures.

Working capital and the current ratio were as follows:



Working Current
Capital Ratio
------- ---------
(Dollars in millions)

January 30, 1999 $ 17.4 1.18 to 1
January 31, 1998 $ 13.4 1.14 to 1
February 1, 1997 $ 11.7 1.12 to 1


Management believes that working capital is adequate for the Company's
reasonably foreseeable needs.

The Company terminated the Westville warehouse lease as of April 29, 1996. The
Company incurred a net cash outflow of approximately $9.1 million for this
transaction. This transaction did not impact reported earnings as the payment
was provided for in the Reserve for Closed Stores.

Inflation

Inflation has had only a minor effect on the operations of the Company and its
internal and external sources of liquidity and working capital.

Year 2000 Matters

The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have time-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing inaccuracies and disruptions of operations,
including among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions,
send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities.

18


The Company is dependent on computer hardware, software, systems and processes
("IT Systems") and non-information technology systems such as telephones,
clocks, scales, refrigeration controllers and other equipment which may contain
embedded microprocessor technology ("Non-IT" Systems). These systems are used
in several critical operating areas including store and distribution operations,
product merchandising and procurement, inventory and labor management, and
accounting and administrative systems.

The Company has been engaged in a comprehensive project under the direction of
the Chief Executive Officer since June 1996 to upgrade or replace its IT Systems
and convert from mainframe to client/server technology. Addressing Year 2000
matters is an integral part of this process. The Company has phased in a
substantial number of computer systems and related programs over the past two
years, including financial systems, merchandising, distribution, store ordering,
time and attendance, and direct store delivery receiving. The Company is
currently in the process of upgrading or replacing various systems; including
payroll, human resources and personnel systems, store systems, purchasing and
inventory control and warehouse and distribution systems. The project will
include testing all systems critical for day-to-day operations.

The Company is requesting each of its hardware and software vendors for both the
new systems that it has installed or expects to install, as well as any systems
which it does not expect to replace, to certify that their systems are Year 2000
compliant. Subsequent to year end, the Company requested certification, and is
tracking responses, from companies it has a significant business relationship
with that their systems are Year 2000 compliant. In addition, the Company is
evaluating Year 2000 issues related to Non-IT systems. The evaluation consists
of developing an inventory of all such systems, testing and taking corrective
action on all detected deficiencies.

The Company believes that its efforts will result in Year 2000 compliance.
However, if the Company's new computer system fails with respect to the Year
2000 issue, or if any applications or embedded chips critical to the Company's
operational processes are overlooked, there could be a material adverse impact
on the business operations or financial performance of the Company. The Company
cannot guarantee that hardware and software vendors on whom it has relied will
honor their obligations with respect to Year 2000 compliance, or that other
companies it has a business relationship with will achieve Year 2000 compliance.
Additionally, there can be no assurance that the systems of other companies on
which the Company's systems rely will be converted timely, or that a failure to
convert by another company, or a conversion that is incompatible with the
Company's systems, would not have a material adverse effect on the business
operations or financial performance of the Company. Management believes that,
should the Company or any third party with whom the Company has a significant
business relationship have a Year 2000 related systems failure, the most
significant impact would likely be the inability to conduct operations due to a
power failure, to deliver inventory in a timely fashion, to receive certain
products from vendors, process payments or to process electronically customer
sales at the store level.

The Company is in the process of developing contingency plans to provide
alternatives to enable the Company's core business operations to continue in the
event of a Year 2000 failure in its systems or in the systems of other companies
with which it has a relationship. There can be no assurance that the systems of
other companies on which the Company's contingency plans rely will be converted
timely, or that a failure to convert by another company, or a conversion that is
incompatible with the Company's systems, would not also have a material adverse
effect on the business operations or financial performance of the Company. The
Company expects to complete the contingency plans during the 1999 calendar year.

19


The Company has expended approximately $15.0 million since June 1996 to upgrade
or replace the majority of systems and convert them to client/server technology,
and expects to incur an additional $5.0 million, for a total of $20.0 million,
to complete the remaining systems. In addition, the Company has entered into
operating leases for equipment with a fair market value of $2.0 million and has
purchased equipment for $3.2 million, and expects to purchase or lease
additional equipment with a fair market value of $1.8 million, for a total of
$7.0 million. This includes both Year 2000 upgrades or replacements and the
replacement of systems that are inefficient and in need of replacement
regardless of their Year 2000 readiness. The Company expects to finalize the
upgrade or replacement of all IT Systems, correct any detected deficiencies in
Non-IT Systems and achieve Year 2000 compliance by September 1999.

Safe Harbor Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995

The statements under Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations and the other statements in this Form 10-K which are
not historical facts are forward looking statements. These forward looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could render them materially
different, including, but not limited to, the effect of economic conditions, the
impact of competitive stores and pricing, availability and costs of inventory,
the rate of technology change, the cost and uncertain outcomes of pending and
unforeseen litigation, the availability of capital, supply constraints or
difficulties, the effect of the Company's accounting policies, the effect of
regulatory and legal developments, adverse effects of failure to achieve Year
2000 compliance and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.

ITEM 7a: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company is exposed to certain market risks which are inherent in the
Company's financial instruments which arise from transactions entered into in
the normal course of business. Although the Company currently utilizes no
derivative financial instruments which expose the Company to significant market
risk, the Company is exposed to fair value risk due to changes in interest rates
with respect to its long-term debt borrowings.

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its long-term fixed interest
rate debt borrowings. Borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility do not give
rise to significant interest rate risk because of the floating interest rate
charged on such borrowings. The Company manages its exposure to interest rate
risk by utilizing a combination of fixed and floating rate borrowings.

The following describes information relating to the Company's instruments which
are subject to interest rate risk at January 30, 1999 (dollars in millions):



Description Contract Terms Interest Rate Cost Fair Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senior Notes Due April 15, 2000 8 5/8% fixed $100 $99.5


20


ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- ---------------------------------------------------







INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Eagle Food Centers, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eagle Food
Centers, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 1999. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Eagle Food Centers, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended January 30, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Davenport, Iowa
April 29, 1999

21


EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


January 30, January 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------

ASSETS
Current assets: $ 11,775 $ 5,113
Cash and cash equivalents 9,846 10,349
Restricted assets
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $1.2 million in fiscal 1998
and $0.9 million in fiscal 1997 16,537 10,826
Income taxes receivable 926 993
Inventories 74,069 83,841
Prepaid expenses and other 1,392 1,595
-------- --------
Total current assets 114,545 112,717

Property and equipment (net) 132,364 109,119

Other assets:
Deferred debt issuance costs (net) 585 1,070
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired (net) 2,325 2,406
Property held for resale 20,025 18,769
Other 13,471 13,538
-------- --------
Total other assets 36,406 35,783
-------- --------
Total assets $283,315 $257,619
======== ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 44,434 $ 43,078
Payroll and associate benefits 14,318 16,982
Accrued liabilities 25,353 19,258
Reserve for closed stores 1,302 3,271
Accrued taxes 7,795 9,131
Bank revolving credit facility - 7,208
Current portion of long term debt 991 356
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 97,193 99,284

Long term debt:
Senior Notes 100,000 100,000
Capital lease obligations 37,779 8,583
-------- --------
Total long term debt 137,779 108,583

Other liabilities:
Reserve for closed stores 9,434 10,611
Other deferred liabilities 10,523 6,904
-------- --------
Total other liabilities 19,957 17,515

Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized - -
Common stock, $.01 par value, 18,000,000 shares authorized,
11,500,000 shares issued 115 115
Capital in excess of par value 53,336 53,336
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 581,202 and 553,127 shares (2,309) (2,259)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 47 82
Other (140) (281)
Retained earnings (deficit) (22,663) (18,756)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 28,386 32,237
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $283,315 $257,619
======== ========


See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

22


EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ----------

Sales $ 943,805 $ 967,090 $1,014,889
Cost of goods sold 710,830 723,446 758,647
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross margin 232,975 243,644 256,242

Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 203,220 208,133 218,253
Store closing, asset revaluation and
lease termination 2,925 - 1,700
Depreciation and amortization 18,885 19,068 20,494
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 7,945 16,443 15,795
Interest expense 11,870 11,751 12,547
---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (3,925) 4,692 3,248
Income taxes (benefit) - (400) -
---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $ (3,925) $ 5,092 $ 3,248
========== ========== ==========


Weighted average common shares outstanding 10,936,559 10,919,720 10,863,554
Weighted average common and potential
common shares outstanding 11,084,569 11,364,496 11,171,799

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Net earnings (loss) $ (0.36) $ .47 $ .30
========== ========= ==========
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:

Net earnings (loss) $ (0.36) $ .45 $ .29
========== ========= ==========


See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

23


EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Common Stock
-------------------------------------------------
Capital in Treasury
Par Excess of ------------------
Shares Value Par Value Shares Dollars
---------- ------ --------- ------- --------

BALANCE FEBRUARY 3, 1996 11,500,000 $ 115 $ 53,336 554,906 $ (2,471)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Purchase of treasury shares 91,200 (171)
Stock options exercised (12,745) 52
---------- ------ -------- ------- --------
BALANCE FEBRUARY 1, 1997 11,500,000 115 53,336 633,361 (2,590)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Purchase of treasury shares 12,953 (49)
Stock options exercised (93,187) 380
---------- ------ -------- ------- --------
BALANCE JANUARY 31, 1998 11,500,000 115 53,336 533,127 (2,259)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Purchase of treasury shares 50,200 (137)
Forgiveness of officer stock
sale receivable
Stock options exercised (22,125) 87
---------- ------ -------- ------- --------
BALANCE JANUARY 30, 1999 11,500,000 $ 115 $ 53,336 581,202 $ (2,309)
========== ====== ======== ======= ========




Accumulated
Retained Other
Earnings Comprehensive Total
Other (Deficit) Income (Loss) Equity
------ --------- ------------- --------

BALANCE FEBRUARY 3, 1996 $ (281) $ (26,935) $ 157 $ 23,921
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings 3,248
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax) (19)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities (305)

Total comprehensive income (loss) 2,924

Purchase of treasury shares (171)
Stock options exercised (38) 14
------ --------- ----- --------
BALANCE FEBRUARY 1, 1997 (281) (23,725) (167) 26,688
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings 5,092
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax) 111
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities 138

Total comprehensive income (loss) 5,341

Purchase of treasury shares (49)
Stock options exercised (123) 257
------ --------- ----- --------
BALANCE JANUARY 31, 1998 (281) (18,756) 82 32,237
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss (3,925)
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax) (141)
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on marketable securities 106

Total comprehensive income (loss) (3,960)

Purchase of treasury shares (137)
Forgiveness of officer stock
sale receivable 141 141
Stock options exercised 18 105
------ --------- ----- --------
BALANCE JANUARY 30, 1999 $ (140) $ (22,663) $ 47 $ 28,386
====== ========= ===== ========

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

24


EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Years Ended
---------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
------------ ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings (loss) $(3,925) $ 5,092 $ 3,248
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to
net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 18,885 19,068 20,494
Store closing, asset revaluation and lease termination 2,925 - 1,700
LIFO charge 685 775 731
Deferred charges and credits 893 1,358 1,975
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets (910) 603 883
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables and other assets (8,015) (3,902) (962)
Inventories 9,087 (8,221) 3,766
Accounts payable 4,356 (746) 1,799
Accrued and other liabilities (477) (3,216) 2,766
Principal payments on reserve for closed stores (2,444) (2,275) (12,207)
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows from operating activities 21,060 8,536 24,193
------- ------- -------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property and equipment (20,532) (15,560) (8,164)
Sales (purchases) of marketable securities, net 609 (1,246) (231)
Additions to property held for resale (19,150) (6,069) (4,629)
Cash proceeds from sale/leasebacks or dispositions
of property and equipment 14,392 3,664 3,884
Cash proceeds from sale/leasebacks or dispositions
of property held for resale 18,450 2,041 -
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows from investing activities (6,231) (17,170) (9,140)
------- ------- -------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Deferred financing costs (50) - -
Principal payments of capital lease obligations (772) (2,546) (5,237)
Net revolving credit (repayment) borrowing (7,208) 7,208 1,992
Purchase of treasury stock (137) (49) (171)
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows from financing activities (8,167) 4,613 (7,400)
------- ------- -------

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 6,662 (4,613) (7,400)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 5,113 9,134 1,481
------- ------- -------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $11,775 $ 5,113 $ 9,134
======= ======= =======


See notes to the consolidation financial statements.

25




EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1999, JANUARY 31, 1998, AND FEBRUARY 1, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note A - Organization - Eagle Food Centers, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware
corporation, is engaged in the operation of retail food stores, with 89 stores
in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa, north, central and eastern
Illinois, eastern Iowa, and the Chicago/Fox River Valley and northwestern
Indiana area.

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year - The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January
31st. Fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 52-week years ending on January 30,
1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, respectively.

Basis of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Eagle Food Centers, Inc. and all subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Risks and Uncertainties - The preparation of the Company's consolidated
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

The Company is party to 21 collective bargaining agreements with 17 local unions
representing 94% of the Company's associates. Twelve contracts will expire
during 1999, covering 67% of the Company's associates. The Company expects to
negotiate with the unions and to enter into new collective bargaining
agreements. There can be no assurance, however, that such agreements will be
reached without a work stoppage. A prolonged work stoppage affecting a
substantial number of stores could have a material adverse effect on results of
the company's operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid investments
with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be a cash
equivalent.

Restricted Assets - Restricted assets are comprised of marketable securities and
cash held in escrow by third parties. Marketable securities are restricted to
satisfy state insurance reserve requirements related to claim liabilities
recorded for workers' compensation, automobile and general liability costs; such
claim liability reserves are classified as current.

The Company has classified its entire holdings of marketable securities as
available for sale reflecting management's intention to hold such securities for
indefinite periods of time. Such securities are reported at fair value and the
difference between cost and fair value is reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity until gains and losses are realized. Such amount is a
component in the "Accumulated other comprehensive income" caption of
shareholders' equity.

Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market; cost is
determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all
inventories. The current cost of the inventories was greater than the LIFO value
by $10.3 million at January 30, 1999 and $9.6 million at January 31, 1998.

26


Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed by using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of buildings, fixtures and
equipment. Leasehold costs and improvements are amortized over their estimated
useful lives or the remaining original lease term, whichever is shorter.
Leasehold interests are generally amortized over the lease term plus expected
renewal periods or 25 years, whichever is shorter. Property acquired under
capital lease is amortized on a straight line basis over the shorter of the
estimated useful life of the property or the original lease term.

Long-Lived Assets - The Company accounts for Long-Lived Assets in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of". Under SFAS No. 121, if the sum of the expected future
undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an
impairment loss is recognized. The impairment is measured based on the estimated
fair value of the asset.

In determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the lowest
level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent
of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which, for the Company, is
generally on a store by store basis. The Company continually monitors under-
performing stores and under-utilized facilities for an indication that the
carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Impairment charges are
included in the caption "Store closing, asset revaluation and lease termination"
of the consolidated statement of operations.

Debt Issuance Costs - Debt issuance costs, recorded net of accumulated
amortization of $3.3 million at January 30, 1999 and $2.8 million at January
31, 1998, are amortized over the terms of the related debt agreements.

Excess of Cost Over Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired ("Goodwill") - Goodwill,
recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.9 million at January 30, 1999 and
$0.8 million at January 31, 1998, is amortized using the straight-line method
over 40 years. The Company continually reviews goodwill to assess recoverability
from future operations using undiscounted cash flows. Impairments would be
recognized in operating results if an other than temporary diminution in value
occurred.

Property Held for Resale - Property included in this classification represents
land acquired for future development and stores the Company is constructing or
has recently completed which the Company intends to finance through a
sale/leaseback transaction and is reported at the lower of cost or estimated
market value. These properties are expected to continue to be operated by the
Company, are not impaired and have not been written down below cost.

Deferred Software Costs - The Company classifies software for internal use as
Other Assets. Software costs are generally amortized over five years beginning
when the software is placed in service. Deferred software balances were $12.1
million and $12.1 million as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998,
respectively; net of accumulated amortization of $2.9 million and $0.4 million,
respectively.

Self-Insurance - The Company is primarily self-insured, through its captive
insurance subsidiary, for workers' compensation, automobile and general
liability costs. For the insurance year beginning November 1, 1997, the
automobile liability has been placed with an outside insurance company. The
self-insurance claim liability is determined actuarially based on claims filed
and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Self insurance claim
liabilities of $6.6 million as of January 30, 1999 and $7.5 million as of
January 31, 1998 are included in the "Accrued liabilities" caption of the
balance sheet.

27


Store Closing and Asset Revaluation - In the event the performance or
utilization of under-performing stores and under-utilized facilities cannot be
improved, management may decide to close, sell or otherwise dispose of such
stores or facilities. A charge for store closing and asset revaluation is
provided when management has reached the decision to close, sell or otherwise
dispose of such stores within one year and the costs can be reasonably
estimated. The charge for store closing arises primarily from (a) the discounted
value of future lease commitments in excess of the discounted value of estimated
sublease revenues, (b) store closing costs, (c) elimination of any goodwill
identified with such stores to be closed and (d) revaluing fixed assets to
estimated fair values when assets are impaired, or to net realizable value for
assets to be disposed of (see Long-Lived Assets above). Discount rates have been
determined at the time a store was added to the closed store reserve and have
not been changed to reflect subsequent changes in rates. The Company's policy is
to use a risk-free rate of return for a duration equal to the average remaining
lease term at the time the reserve was established. The discount rate used for
reserves established in fiscal 1998 and 1997 was 4.7% and 6.0%, respectively.

Advertising Expense - The Company's advertising costs, including radio and
television production costs, are expensed as incurred and included in the
"Selling, general and administrative" caption of the income statement. The
components of advertising expense are as follows:



Gross Advertising Co-Op Credits Net Advertising
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Dollars % of Sales Dollars % of Sales Dollars % of Sales
(Dollars in thousands)

Fiscal 1998 $17,520 1.8% $15,488 1.6% $2,032 0.2%
Fiscal 1997 $16,054 1.7% $13,525 1.4% $2,529 0.3%
Fiscal 1996 $15,548 1.5% $13,724 1.3% $1,824 0.2%


Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Earnings per share ("EPS") are computed in
accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share." Basic EPS is computed by
dividing consolidated net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing consolidated net
earnings (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding and the weighted average number of potential common shares
outstanding. Potential common shares consist solely of outstanding options under
the Company's stock option plans. Outstanding options excluded from the
computation of potential common shares (option price exceeded the average market
price during the period) amounted to 39,975 options for 1997 and 328,925 options
for 1996. All outstanding options were excluded from the earnings (loss) per
share calculation for 1998 because they were anti-dilutive.

Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications were made to prior years' balances
conform with current year presentation.

Segments of a Business - Effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the
Company has adopted SFAS No. 131 "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information" which supersedes SFAS No. 14 "Financial Reporting for
Segments of a Business Enterprise." SFAS No. 131 establishes new standards for
disclosure of financial and descriptive information by operating segment in the
Company's consolidated financial statements. SFAS 131 utilizes a management
approach to define operating segments along the lines used by management
internally for evaluating the operation of retail food stores segment
performance and deciding resource allocations to segments. The Company manages
and internally reports its operations as one business segment which, under the
criteria of SFAS 131, is a supermarket. As a result, the adoption of SFAS 131
had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statement disclosures.

28


Comprehensive Income - In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes rules
for the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive
income consists of net earnings (loss), minimum pension liability adjustments,
and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity
securities, and is presented in the Consolidated Statement of Equity. The
adoption of SFAS 130 had no impact on total shareholders' equity. Prior year
financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the SFAS 130
requirements.

Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained For Internal Use - In March
1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued the
Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This SOP provides guidance on
accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal
use and related disclosures. The SOP is effective for financial statements for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998 and should be applied to internal
use computer software costs incurred in the year of adoption for all projects,
including those projects in progress upon initial application of the SOP. The
Company early adopted SOP 98-1, which did not have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities - In April 1998, the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued the Statement of Position 98-5,
"Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities" ("SOP 98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires
that costs of start-up activities and organization costs be expensed as incurred
and is effective no later than for the first quarter of the Company's fiscal
year commencing January 31, 1999. Since the company does not have any
significant deferred start-up costs as of January 30, 1999, the early adoption
of SOP 98-5 did not have a material impact on its consolidated results of
operations or financial position.

New Accounting Standards - In June 1998 the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued SFAS No.133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." This new standard establishes accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. This standard is
effective for the Company's 2000 fiscal year. The Company has not yet completed
its evaluation of this standard or its potential impact on the Company's
reporting requirements.

Note C - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers
all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.

29



Supplemental cash flow information:




1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash paid for interest $ 11,717 $ 11,132 $ 12,009

Cash paid (received) for income taxes 73 52 (2,958)

Non-cash additions to property and equipment 30,603 2,761 --

Non-cash additions to the capital lease liability 30,603 2,761 --

Treasury stock issued 87 380 52

Non-cash transfer from property and equipment to
property held for resale -- 1,382 --

Non-cash transfer from closed store reserve to
property and equipment 676 -- 810



Note D - Reserve for Closed Stores

An analysis of activity in the reserve for closed stores for the years ended
January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, is as follows:




January 30, January 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year $ 13,882 $ 16,016

Payments, primarily rental payments,
net of sublease rentals of $1,123
in fiscal 1998 and $1,272 in fiscal 1997 (1,450) (2,189)

Lease termination payments (1,632) (567)

Amount classified as a direct reduction
of fixed assets (676) --

Interest cost 612 613
-------- --------
Balance at end of year (including $1.3 million
and $3.3 million, respectively, classified
as current) $ 10,736 $ 13,882
======== ========


During fiscal 1998, the Company benefited $0.6 million from favorable lease
terminations and changes in estimates for six stores that were included in the
reserve at January 31, 1998, and from $0.2 million in favorable changes in
estimates for stores remaining in the reserve at January 30, 1999.
Additionally, during fiscal 1998, the Company added two stores to the reserve,
for which $0.8 million was provided for estimated future costs and write down of
fixed assets to estimated fair value.

30


During fiscal 1997, the Company benefited from $1.2 million of favorable lease
terminations for five stores that were included in the closed store reserve at
February 1, 1997, and from $1.3 million in favorable changes in estimates for
stores remaining in the reserve at January 31, 1998, based on current
negotiations with the landlord or potential sublessees. Additionally, during
fiscal 1997, the Company added six stores to the reserve, three of which were
closed in the current year with charges of $0.6 million for lease terminations,
and three for which $1.9 million was provided for estimated future costs. The
charges for the six stores were offset by the favorable lease terminations and
changes in estimates.

During fiscal 1996, the Company provided $1.7 million for store closing costs
and asset revaluations. This charge is primarily related to $2.0 million of
costs resulting from sublease cancellations due to bankruptcy by the sublessees,
net of favorable changes in assumptions on existing closed stores.

The reserve at January 30, 1999, represents estimated future cash outflows
primarily related to the present value of net future rental payments. It is
management's opinion that the reserve will be adequate to cover continuing costs
for the existing closed stores and the two stores in the reserve which are not
yet closed.

At the end of fiscal year 1998, the reserve included estimated net future costs
for five closed stores and two stores to be closed, plus sublease subsidies for
nine other closed stores. In addition, there are three closed stores not
included in the reserve because future sublease subsidies will cover estimated
future costs. At the end of fiscal year 1997, the reserve included estimated net
furture costs for five closed stores and five stores to be closed, plus sublease
subsidies for ten other closed stores.

A rollforward presentation of the number of stores in the closed store reserve
for fiscal years 1998 and 1997 is as follows:




1998 1997
------ ------


Number of stores in reserve at beginning of year 20 22

Leases terminated/expired/removed from reserve (6) (8)

Stores added to the closed store reserve 2 6
------- ------

Number of stores in reserve at end of year 16 20
======= ======


31


Note E - Property and Equipment

The investment in property and equipment is as follows:



January 30, January 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------
(In thousands)


Land $ 7,315 $ 9,757
Buildings 27,168 32,175
Leasehold costs and improvements 36,797 38,624
Fixtures and equipment 139,210 137,940
Leasehold interests 27,965 29,721
Property under capital lease 42,053 12,214
--------- ---------
Total 280,508 260,431
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (148,144) (151,312)
--------- ---------
Property and equipment (net) $ 132,364 $ 109,119
========= =========


The Company owned 12 of its 89 stores, two of which were classified in "Property
held for resale", as of January 30, 1999 and leased the remainder. Six stores
were sold and leased back providing $31.0 million of proceeds during fiscal
1998, one store was sold and leased back providing $2.8 million of proceeds
during fiscal 1997 and one store was also sold and leased back providing $3.5
million of proceeds during fiscal 1996. The leases on these eight stores, of
which six are recorded as a capital leases, have 22-25 year terms with up to six
five-year options. The gains on the sale of these properties have been deferred
and are amortized over the life of the original lease term.

Property under capital leases primarily represents capital leases for land,
buildings and improvements. Amortization of the capital lease assets are
included in the caption "Depreciation and Amortization" in the consolidated
statements of operations.

Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives of the various
classes of assets are as follows:

Buildings 10-25 years

Fixtures and Equipment 2-12 years

Leasehold Costs & Improvements 5-23 years

Leasehold interests 12-25 years

Property under capital lease Shorter of economic life or lease
term

32



Note F - Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



January 30, January 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------
(In thousands)


8 5/8% Senior Notes $100,000 $100,000
Capital leases (Note H) 38,770 8,939
-------- --------
138,770 108,939
Less current maturities 991 356
-------- --------
Total long-term debt $137,779 $108,583
======== ========


The Company's 8 5/8% Senior Notes are due April 15, 2000. The indenture
relating to the 8 5/8% Senior Notes contains provisions as well as certain
restrictions relating to certain asset dispositions, sale/leaseback
transactions, payment of dividends, repurchase of equity interests, incurrence
of additional indebtedness and liens, and certain other restricted payments.

The Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Congress Financial Corporation
(Central) on May 25, 1995. The agreement is a $50 million facility which
provides for revolving credit loans and letters of credit. No more than an
aggregate of $20 million of the total commitment may be drawn by the Company as
letters of credit. Total availability under the Credit Agreement is based on
percentages of allowable inventory up to a maximum of $50 million. In April
1998, the Company extended the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. The
amended agreement terminates April 15, 2000. The terms of the amendment provide
total availability up to a maximum of $50 million, increases the capital
expenditure limit to $75 million per year, increases the permitted purchase
money security interests and purchase money mortgage amounts to a combined
maximum outstanding amount of $50 million, and provides for reductions in the
interest rate and fees. The amended agreement is secured by a first priority
security interest in all inventories of the Company located in its stores and
distribution center in Milan, Illinois. Loans made pursuant to the Credit
Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate based, at the Company's
option, on a margin over the base interest rate or a margin over the London
Interbank Offered Rate multiplied by the applicable reserve requirement (the
adjusted LIBOR Rate). The Credit Agreement has one financial covenant related
to minimum net worth as defined by the agreement. At January 30, 1999, the
defined net worth of the Company exceeded the minimum amount by approximately
$33.1 million.

At January 30, 1999, the Company had no borrowing against the Revolving Credit
Facility and no letters of credit outstanding, resulting in $42.6 million of
availability under the amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate as of
January 30, 1999 was 8.25%.

At January 31, 1998, the Company had $7.2 million borrowed against the Revolving
Credit Facility and had no letters of credit outstanding. The interest rate on
the outstanding amount was 9.25% at January 31, 1998.

33



The Company was in compliance with all the covenants in its debt agreements at
January 30, 1999. The Company expects to be in compliance with all covenants for
fiscal 1999 based on management's estimates of fiscal 1999 operating results,
cash flows, planned capital expenditures and capital leases.

Note G - Treasury Stock

The following summarizes the treasury stock activity for the three years in the
period ended January 30, 1999:



Shares Dollars Average
------- ------- -------
(Dollars in thousands, except share information)

Outstanding February 3, 1996 554,906 $2,471 $4.45
Purchased 91,200 171 1.88
Issued 12,745 52 4.08
------- ------

Outstanding February 1, 1997 633,361 2,590 4.09
Purchased 12,953 49 3.83
Issued 93,187 380 4.08
------- ------

Outstanding January 31, 1998 553,127 2,259 4.09
Purchased 50,200 137 2.73
Issued 22,125 87 3.95
------- ------

Outstanding January 20, 1999 581,202 $2,309 $3.97
======= ======



During fiscal 1995 the Company sold 125,000 shares of treasury stock to its
Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Kelly for $2.25 per share (market value at
date of sale) in exchange for a note receivable, which is recorded in the
"Other" caption of shareholder's equity and deducted from equity until paid. In
accordance with Mr. Kelly's employment agreement, $140,625 of the $281,250 note
was forgiven in fiscal 1998 and the remainder will be forgiven in fiscal 1999.
The fiscal 1998 partial forgiveness of the note was recorded as compensation
expense and is included in the caption "Selling, general and administrative" in
the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

The difference between the average share price of treasury stock and exercise of
stock options is charged/credited to retained earnings.

34


Note H - Leases and Long-term Contracts

Seventy-seven operating stores and 17 closed stores were leased at fiscal year
end, many of which have renewal options for periods ranging from five to 30
years. Some provide the option to acquire the property at certain times during
the initial lease term for approximately its estimated fair market value at that
time, and some require the Company to pay taxes and insurance on the leased
property. The Company also leases its central distribution facility under a
lease expiring in 2007. Rent expense consists of:



Year Ended
---------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------

(In thousands)

Minimum rent under operating leases $ 16,291 $ 15,981 $ 15,387
Additional rent based on sales 109 82 275
Less rentals received on noncancelable subleases (337) (246) (39)
---------- ----------- ----------
$ 16,063 $ 15,817 $ 15,623
========== =========== ==========


Future minimum lease payments under operating and capital leases as of January
30, 1999, are as follows:



Operating Capital
Leases Leases
--------- --------
(In thousands)

1999 $ 15,988 $ 4,577
2000 15,776 4.577
2001 15,027 4,577
2002 14,371 4,577
2003 13,485 4,498
Thereafter 118,668 62,845
-------- -------
Total minimum lease payments $193,315 85,651
========
Less minimum lease payments 46,881
-------
Present value of minimum capital lease payments,
including $991 classified as current portion of
long-term debt $38,770
=======


The operating and capital lease future minimum lease payments do not include
gross minimum commitments of $24.8 million for closed stores, the present value
of which (net of estimated sublease payments) is included in the consolidated
balance sheet caption "Reserve for closed stores."

On February 1, 1996, the Company entered into a ten-year contract for
outsourcing its information system function with MCI Systemhouse, Inc. (formerly
SHL Systemhouse, Inc.). In connection with the migration from mainframe to
client/server technology, the Company renegotiated this contract with an
effective period from January 27, 1999 to December 31, 1999. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1998, the

35


Company accrued $2.9 million, payable in 12 equal installments in calendar 1999,
for costs associated with the migration from mainframe to client/server
technology. The charge is primarily for future lease costs relating to the
mainframe, and various software, software licenses and contracting costs. Such
charge is included in the caption "Store closing, asset revaluation and lease
termination" in the consolidated statements of operations.

Note I - Income Taxes

The following summarizes significant components of the provision for income
taxes:





Year Ended
--------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Income taxes (benefit):
Federal $ -- $ (400) $ --
State -- -- --
------- ------ -------
$ -- $ (400) $ --
======= ====== =======

Income taxes (benefit) consists
of the following:
Current
Federal $ -- $ (400) $ --
State -- -- --
------- ------ -------
$ -- $ -- $ --
======= ====== =======

Deferred:
Federal $ -- $ -- $ --
State -- -- --
------- ------ -------
$ -- $ -- $ --
======= ====== =======



The differences between income taxes (benefit) at the statutory Federal income
tax rate and income taxes (benefit) reported in the consolidated statements of
operations are as follows:




Year Ended
--------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------

(In thousands)
Income taxes (benefit) at statutory
Federal tax rate of 35% $ (1,374) $ 1,642 $ 1,137
Surtax exemption 39 (47) (33)
State income taxes, net of
Federal benefit (196) 368 213
Tax credits -- -- --
Valuation allowance 1,573 (2,576) (1,350)
Other (42) 213 33
-------- ------- -------
Total $ -- $ (400) $ --
======== ======= =======


36


Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise because of differences between the
financial accounting bases for assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following
significant temporary differences:




January 30, January 31,
1999 1998
----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Deferred Tax Assets:
Store closing, assets revaluation
and lease termination $ 4,565 $ 4,667
Accrued reserves 1,857 2,579
Deferred revenues 2,032 2,282
Associate benefits 1,441 1,819
Tax credit and net operating
loss carryforwards 13,224 13,825
Valuation allowance (11,096) (9,523)
-------- --------
Total $ 12,023 $ 15,649
======== ========

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation $ 9,541 $ 12,897
Other, net 2,482 2,752
------- --------
Total $12,023 $ 15,649
======= ========

Net deferred tax asset $ -- $ --
======= ========


Valuation allowances have been established for the entire amount of the net
deferred tax assets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, due to the
uncertainty of future recoverability.

The tax benefit of tax credit carryforwards available, in thousands of dollars,
primarily related to the alternative minimum tax and net operating loss
carryforwards totaled $13,224, with expiration dates as follows: 1999 - $54,
2000 - $11, 2001 - $62, 2002 - $83, 2003 - $80, 2005 - $58, 2006 - $99,
2007 - $158, 2008 - $101, 2009 - $202, 2010 - $5,794, 2011 - $755, 2012 - $84
and unlimited - $5,683.

Note J - Associate Benefit Plans

Retirement Plans

Substantially all associates of the Company are covered by trusteed, non
contributory retirement plans of the Company or by various multi employer
retirement plans under collective bargaining agreements.

In 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits." The Statement does not change the
measurement or recognition of those plans. It does revise and standardize the
disclosure requirements. Prior years' information has been restated in
conformance with the Statement's requirements.

37


The Company's defined benefit plans covering salaried and hourly associates
provide benefits that are based on associates' compensation during years of
service. The Company's policy is to fund no less than the minimum required under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. During the years ended
January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, pension costs under
the plans totaled $701,000, $713,000, and $706,000, respectively.

Net periodic pension cost under the Milan Office and Non-Foods Warehouse
Retirement Plan ("Milan Plan") and the Eagle Food Centers, Inc. Associate
Pension Plan ("Eagle Plan") includes the following benefit and cost components
for the years ended January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997:




Year Ended
-----------------------------------------
January 30, January 31, February 1,
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Service cost $ 551 $ 504 $ 516
Interest cost 776 722 657
Expected return on plan assets (663) (549) (503)
Amortization of prior service cost 37 36 36
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension cost $ 701 $ 713 $ 706
====== ====== ======


The amounts included within other comprehensive income arising from a change in
the additional minimum pension liability, net of tax, are a loss of $141,000 at
December 31, 1998, income of $111,000 at December 31, 1997 and a loss of $19,000
at December 31, 1996.

38


The accumulated benefit obligation, changes in projected benefit obligation and
plan assets, the funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets for the Milan Plan and Eagle Plan, as of the
measurement dates of December 31, 1998 and 1997, are as follows:




December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------

Accumulated Benefit Obligation $ 11,520 $ 9,785
========= =========
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Balance at January 1 $ 10,679 $ 9,730
Service cost 551 504
Interest cost 776 722
Actuarual loss 856 84
Benefits paid (404) (361)
--------- ---------

Balance at December 31 $ 12,458 $ 10,679
========= =========

Change in Plan Assets at Fair Value
Balance at January 1 $ 8,756 $ 7,738
Actual return on plan assets 757 942
Company contributions 889 437
Benefits paid (404) (361)
--------- ---------
Balance at December 31 $ 9,998 $ 8,756
========= =========

Reconciliation of Funded Status to Amounts
Recognized in Financial Statements
Funded status at December 31 $ (2,460) $ (1,923)
Unrecognized (gain) loss 621 (141)
Unrecognized prior service cost 239 276
--------- ---------

Recognized accured cost $ (1,600) $ (1,788)
========= =========

Amounts Recognized in the Financial
Statements at December 31
Accured benefits liability $ (2,100) $ (2,090)
Intangible asset 211 244
Accumulated other comprehensive income
before income tax 289 58
--------- ---------
Net amount recognized $ (1,600) $ (1,788)
========= =========

Plan assets are held in a trust and include corporate and U.S. government debt
securities and common stocks.

39


Actuarial assumptions used to develop net periodic pension cost for the fiscal
years 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:



1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----

Discount rate 7.0% 7.5% 7.5%
Expected long term rate of return on assets 8.5% 8.0% 8.0%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.0% 4.0% 4.0%


The Company also participates in various multi-employer plans. The plans provide
for defined benefits to substantially all unionized workers. Amounts charged to
pension cost and contributed to the plans for the years ended January 30, 1999,
January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, totaled $6.8 million, $4.3 million, and
$6.4 million, respectively. During 1997 the Company received the benefit of a
pension contribution moratorium from one union local covering seven months for a
total reduction in costs of $2.1 million. Under the provisions of the Multi-
employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, the Company would be required to
continue contributions to a multi-employer pension fund to the extent of its
portion of the plan's unfunded vested liability if it substantially or totally
withdraws from such plans. Management does not intend to terminate operations
that would subject the Company to such liability.

Incentive Compensation Plans

The Company has incentive compensation plans for store management and certain
other management personnel. Incentive plans included approximately 233
associates. Provisions for payments to be made under the plans are based
primarily on achievement of sales and earnings in excess of specific performance
targets.

Non-qualified stock option plans were ratified by stockholders and implemented
in 1990 and 1995 for key management associates. Stock options have a ten year
life beginning at the grant date. Options granted under the 1990 plan were
generally vested at 12 months following the grant date. For the options granted
under the 1995 Stock Option Plan vesting provisions generally provide for 25% of
the shares vesting at each of the first four anniversaries following the date of
the grant. Certain specific employment agreements provide for different vesting
schedules. As of January 30, 1999, there were 829,938 options available for
future grants. The Company recognized $60,875 of compensation expense during
fiscal year 1998 as the result of an extension of an exercise period which
resulted in re-measurement. The Company recognized no compensation expense for
fiscal years 1997 or 1996 because the exercise price was at or above the market
value at the date of grant.

40


The following table sets forth the stock option activity for the three years in
the period ended January 30, 1999:

Weighted
Option Average
Shares Price Exercise
Subject Range Price of
to Option Per Share Options
-------------- ------------- ----------
Outstanding February 3, 1996 1,285,250 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.23
Granted 82,500 $4.375-$ 6.75 $ 5.50
Exercised 14,600 $1.50 -$ 3.375 $ 3.06
Forfeited 108,600 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.69
--------------
Outstanding February 1, 1997 1,244,550 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.35
Granted 332,500 $4.00 -$ 5.00 $ 4.11
Exercised 93,187 $1.50 -$ 3.375 $ 2.77
Forfeited 116,650 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.96
--------------
Outstanding January 31, 1998 1,367,213 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.52
Granted 70,000 $2.25 -$ 4.0625 $ 3.38
Exercised 22,125 $1.50 -$ 3.375 $ 1.90
Forfeited 209,238 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.73
--------------
Outstanding January 30, 1999 1,205,850 $1.50 -$10.00 $ 3.50
==============


Stock options exercisable are as follows:


Average
Options Exercise
Exercisable Price
----------- --------

February 1, 1997 542,138 $3.23
January 31, 1998 734,413 $3.27
January 30, 1999 912,684 $3.50


41


The following table summarizes stock option information on outstanding and
exercisable shares as of January 30, 1999:




Weighted
Weighted Average Weighted
Range of Average Remaining Average
Exercise Options Exercise Contractual Options Exercise
Prices Outstanding Price Life Exercisable Price
- ------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ----------- --------
(Years)

$1.50 157,375 $1.50 6.86 107,178 $1.50
$2.25-$4.00 755,250 $3.32 6.89 557,281 $3.16
$4.0625-$5.00 260,000 $4.51 6.92 215,000 $4.51
$8.50-$10.00 33,225 $9.22 2.46 33,225 $9.22
---------- --------
Total 1,205,850 912,684
========== ========


Note K - Stock Based Compensation

Eagle accounts for stock option grants and awards under its stock based
compensation plans in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. If compensation cost
for stock option grants and awards had been determined based on fair value at
the grant dates for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 consistent with the method
prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123), the Company's net earnings (loss)
and earnings (loss) per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:




1998 1997 1996
-------- ------ ------

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net earnings (loss): As reported $(3,925) $5,092 $3,248
Pro Forma $(4,029) $4,474 $3,089

Basic earnings (loss) per share: As reported $ (0.36) $ .47 $ .30
Pro Forma $ (0.37) $ .41 $ .28

Diluted earnings (loss) per share: As reported $ (0.36) $ .45 $ .29
Pro Forma $ (0.37) $ .39 $ .28


The Company's calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following weighted average assumptions: five years expected
option life; stock volatility of 59% to 60% in 1998, 61% to 64% in 1997, and 91%
to 97% in 1996; risk-free interest rate of 4.7% in 1998, 5.5% in 1997, and 6.0%
in 1996; and no dividends during the expected term. Based on this model, the
weighted average fair values of stock options awarded were $1.86, $2.32, and
$3.32 for fiscal year 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. During the initial
phase-in period, as required by SFAS No. 123, the proforma amounts were
determined based on stock option grants and awards in fiscal 1998, 1997, and
1996 only. The pro forma amounts for compensation cost may not be indicative of
the effects on earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share for future years.

42


Note L - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments as
of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 are as follows:




January 30, 1999 January 31, 1998
--------------------- ---------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
---------- --------- ---------- ---------

(In thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents $11,775 $11,775 $ 5,113 $ 5,113
Marketable securities 9,846 9,846 10,349 10,349
Bank revolving credit facility - - 7,208 7,208
Senior Notes 100,000 99,472 100,000 97,840


The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximated its carrying value due
to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of marketable
securities is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of the Bank
Revolving Credit Facility approximated its carrying value due to its floating
interest rate. The fair value of the Senior Notes is based on quoted market
prices.

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values
of the Company's marketable securities at January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998,
are as follows:




January 30, 1999
------------------------------------------------
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------

(In thousands)

Money market mutual fund, due
within one year $5,845 $ - $ - $ 5,845
U.S. Treasury notes 2,992 78 - 3,070
Equity securities 785 198 52 931
------ ---- --- ------
Total marketable securities $9,622 $276 $52 $9,846
====== ==== === ======


43




January 31, 1998
-----------------------------------------------
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
------- ---------- ---------- -------

(In thousands)

Restricted cash due within one year $ 891 $ - $ - $ 891
Money market mutual fund, due
within one year 3,752 - - 3,752
U.S. Treasury notes 4,985 69 - 5,054
Equity securities 603 61 12 652
------- ------- ------- -------
Total marketable securities $10,231 $ 130 $ 12 $10,349
======= ======= ======= =======


The maturity of the U.S. Treasury Notes as of January 30, 1999 is as follows:



Fair
Cost Value
---- -----

(In thousands)

Within one year $1,000 $1,005
1 - 5 years 1,992 2,065
------ ------
Total U.S. Treasury notes $2,992 $3,070
====== ======


Note M - Litigation

A complaint alleging discrimination in employment was filed against the Company
in 1994 in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
by two current and one former associates individually and as representative of a
class of all individuals who are similarly situated. The Plaintiffs moved for
class certification and their motion was granted. In 1997, the Court granted the
Company's motion to narrow the scope of the class. The Company denies all
substantive allegations of the Plaintiffs and of the class. The Company and all
the Plaintiffs have recently reached an agreement in principal to settle the
lawsuit and the parties are awaiting final approval of the settlement from the
Court. The Company is subject to various other unresolved legal actions which
arise in the normal course of its business. It is not possible to predict with
certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of the
possible loss.

44



Note N - Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share disclosures (net of tax) for the three years in the
period ended January 30, 1999 are follows:




Wtd. Ave.
Earnings Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- ------------- ---------

(In thousands except per share data)
Year Ended January 30, 1999:
Basic net loss per share:
Loss available to common shareholders $(3,925) 10,936 $ (0.36)
======= =======

Effective of dilutive securities - Stock options --
------

Diluted net loss per share:
Net loss available to common shareholders $(3,925) 10,936 $ (0.36)
======= ====== =======

Year Ended January 31, 1998:
Basic net earnings per share:
Earnings available to common shareholders $ 5,092 10,920 $ .47
======= =======

Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options 444
------

Diluted net earnings per share:
Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 5,092 11,364 $ .45
======= ====== =======

Year Ended February 1, 1997:
Basic net earnings per share:
Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,248 10,864 $ .30
======= =======

Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options 308
------

Diluted net earnings per share:
Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,248 11,172 $ .29
======= ====== =======


45


Note O - Subsequent Events

During April 1999, a store which was classified as "Property held for resale"
was sold and leased back yielding cash proceeds of $5.7 million. The store is
recorded as a capital lease.


Note P - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



Net Earnings
Net (Loss)
Gross Earnings Per Share -
Sales Margin (Loss) Diluted
---------- -------- -------- ------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

1998
- ----
Quarter: First $ 231,568 $ 57,724 $ 124 $ .01
Second 234,530 59,670 914 .08
Third 226,515 58,050 387 .04
Fourth 251,192 57,531 (5,350)(4) (.49)(4)
---------- -------- ------- -----
$ 943,805 $232,975 $(3,925) $(.36)
========== ======== ======= =====
1997
- ----
Quarter: First $ 239,937 $ 61,987 $ 1,788 $ .16
Second 245,383 62,664 1,378 .12
Third 234,200 58,047 (463)(3) (.04)(3)
Fourth 247,570 60,946 2,389 .21
---------- -------- ------- -----
$ 967,090 $243,644 $ 5,092 $ .45
========== ======== ======= =====
1996
- ----
Quarter: First $ 248,139 $ 62,826 $ 1,027 $ .09
Second 257,645 64,865 1,160 (2) .10 (2)
Third 248,293 62,770 530 .05
Fourth 260,812 65,781 531 (1) .05 (1)
---------- -------- ------- -----
$1,014,889 $256,242 $ 3,248 $ .29
========== ======== ======= =====


(1) Net earnings were reduced by a $1.7 million or $0.15 per share charge
related to closed stores and revaluation of assets.

(2) Amount differs from amount reported on Form 10-Q due to the restatement of
balances to comply with the provisions of SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per
Share."

(3) Net loss attributable to lower gross margin dollars resulting from lower
sales volume and increased promotional activity, partially offset by lower
operating costs.

(4) Net loss attributable to decreased margins primarily due to increased
promotional activity and costs related to the Company's strategic systems
initiatives, including costs to migrate from mainframe to client/server
technology.


46



ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

There have been no disagreements on accounting principles or practices or
financial statement disclosures between the Company and its independent
certified public accountants during the two fiscal years ended January 30, 1999.


PART III

ITEM 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information required by this item concerning directors is set forth under
"Election of Directors" in the definitive proxy statement filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is hereby incorporated by
reference into this 10-K. Certain information concerning the Company's executive
officers is included in Item 4(a) of Part I of this report.

ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is set forth in the section entitled
"Executive Compensation" in the definitive proxy statement filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is hereby incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this item is set forth in the tabulation of the
amount and nature of beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock under
the heading "Security Ownership of Principal Shareholders and Management" in the
definitive proxy statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is set forth in the section entitled
"Certain Transactions" in the definitive proxy statement filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is hereby incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K.

47




PART IV


ITEM 14: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


Page
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

1. Financial Statements:

- Independent Auditors' Report 21

- Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998 22

- Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended January 30, 23
1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997

- Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended January 30, 1999, 24
January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997

- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended 25
January 30, 1999, January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997

- Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 26

2. Financial Statement Schedules:

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required,
or because the information required therein is included in the consolidated
financial statements or the notes thereto.

3. Exhibits - see Exhibit Index on page 50.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.

48


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

EAGLE FOOD CENTERS, INC.

By: /s/ Robert J. Kelly
-------------------
Robert J. Kelly
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President

DATED: April 30, 1999

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated:


Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----


/s/ Robert J. Kelly Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President April 30, 1999
- ------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Robert J. Kelly

/s/ S. Patric Plumley Senior Vice President-Chief Financial April 30, 1999
- --------------------- Officer and Secretary
S. Patric Plumley (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


/s/ Paul D. Barnett Director April 30, 1999
- -------------------
Paul D. Barnett

/s/ Peter B. Foreman Director April 30, 1999
- --------------------
Peter B. Foreman

/s/ Steven M. Friedman Director April 30, 1999
- ----------------------
Steven M. Friedman

/s/ Alain Oberrotman Director April 30, 1999
- --------------------
Alain Oberrotman

/s/ Jerry I. Reitman Director April 30, 1999
- --------------------
Jerry I. Reitman

/s/ William J. Snyder Director April 30, 1999
- ---------------------
William J. Snyder


49


Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------

3.1-- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1
to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-29404 and
incorporated herein by reference).

3.2-- By-laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-29404 and incorporated herein by
reference).

4.1-- Form of Note (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement
on Form S-1 No. 33-59454 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2-- Form of Indenture, dated as of April 26, 1993, between the
Company and First Trust National Association, as trustee (filed
as Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
No. 33-59454 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.1-- Transaction Agreement, dated as of October 9, 1987, between EFC
and Lucky Stores, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-20450 and incorporated
herein by reference).

10.2-- Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated November 10, 1987,
among EFC, Lucky Stores, Inc. and Pasquale V. Petitti regarding
the Deferred Compensation Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.11 of
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-20450 and
incorporated herein by reference).

10.3-- Trademark License Agreement, dated November 10, 1987, between
Lucky Stores, Inc. and EFC (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-20450 and incorporated
herein by reference).

10.4-- Letter Agreement, dated June 10, 1988, between the Company's
predecessor and Lucky Stores, Inc. amending the Trademark
License Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 1989
(the "1988 10-K") and incorporated herein by reference).

10.5-- Management Information Services Agreement, dated November 10,
1987, between Lucky Stores, Inc. and the Company's predecessor
(filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 No. 33-20450 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.6-- Letter Agreement, dated June 10, 1988, between the Company's
predecessor and Lucky Stores, Inc. amending the Management
Information Services Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January
28, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.7-- Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 10, 1987, between the
Company's predecessor and Lucky Stores, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-20450 and
incorporated herein by reference).

10.9-- Letter Agreement, dated April 28, 1988, among American Stores
Company, the Company's predecessor and Odyssey Partners (filed
as Exhibit 10.29 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
No. 33-20450 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.10-- Eagle Food Centers, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, adopted in June
1990 (filed as Exhibit 19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended February 1, 1992 and incorporated herein
by reference).

50


10.16-- Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 22, 1995, among the
Company, as borrower, and the lender party thereto, Congress
Financial Corporation (Central) (filed as Exhibit 16 to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference).

10.17-- First Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement dated August
21, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 17 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended July 29, 1995 and incorporated herein by
reference).

10.18-- 1995 Stock Incentive Plan as approved on June 21, 1995 (filed as
Exhibit 18 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July
29, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.19-- Employment agreement dated May 10, 1995 between the Company and
Robert J. Kelly, its President and Chief Executive Officer
(filed as Exhibit 19 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended July 29, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.22-- Agreement between the Company, Lucky Stores, Inc., The Midland
Grocery Company and Roundy's Inc. to terminate the Westville
warehouse lease (filed as Exhibit 22 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).

10.23-- Employment Agreement dated April 12, 1998 between the Company and
Robert J. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer (filed as Exhibit 23 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998 and
incorporated herein by reference).

10.24-- Amended Loan and Security Agreement, dated April 1, 1998, between
the Company, as borrower, and the lender party thereto, Congress
Financial Corporation (Central) (filed as Exhibit 24 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January
31, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.25-- Employment Agreement dated September 15, 1997 between the Company
and S. Patric Plumley, its Senior Vice President-Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary (filed as Exhibit 24 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998
and incorporated herein by reference).

10.26--* Employment Agreement dated October 7, 1997, between the Company
and Byron O. Magafas, its Vice President of Human Resources.

10.27--* Amended Employment Agreement dated May 10, 1998 between the
Company and Robert J. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer.

12.1-- Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed as
Exhibit 12.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
No. 33-59454 and incorporated herein by reference).

21--* Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

27--* Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only).


*Filed herewith.

51