Filed by Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
And deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
Subject Company: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
Commission File No.: 001-33831
Subject: Important
Update on Eagle Bulk Shipping
Dear Valued Eagle Bulk Business Partners,
We are reaching out today to make you aware of an important and highly compelling transaction. As you may have seen, we entered into a definitive agreement to
combine in an all-stock merger with Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Nasdaq: SBLK), a global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes.
Our commitment to Eagle Bulks existing third-party partnerships remains steadfast, and this strategic transaction will not have any impact on our
existing relationship. We believe the transaction will be highly complementary for both organizations due to the composition of our fleets, similar customer bases and parallel cultures of excellence, integrity and work ethic. The resulting combined
company will boast a leading, diversified and fuel-efficient fleet of 169 owned vessels, including 37 Newcastlemaxes/Capesizes, 52 Post-Panamaxes/Kamsarmaxes/Panamaxes, and 80 Supramaxes/Ultramaxes.
The combined companys substantially increased scale will create the largest U.S.-listed dry bulk shipping company, while helping generate increased
value on the operating side of the business (commercial and technical) and improving our financing cost base for both debt and equity. Importantly, the transaction provides compelling value as it should provide you with benefits from our larger
scale, increased operating efficiencies, deeper wealth of expertise, and enhanced pool of resources. We expect that the merger will close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, and other customary closing
conditions.
We have prepared the below FAQs that will serve to answer many of your questions, but should you have any additional inquiries or concerns,
please feel free to reach out directly to our CCO Bo Westergaard at 203-276-8100 to discuss further.
Finally, this transaction would not be possible without the relationshipsnew and oldthat weve developed with our valued business partners.
Thank you for your contributions in making Eagle Bulk one of the worlds premier dry bulk owners.
Best Regards,
Gary Vogel
Chief Executive Officer