TIG Advisors Files Definitive Proxy Materials to Oppose Zale Merger with Signet
May 23 2014 - 11:54AM
Business Wire
- Zale merger with Signet represents an
inequitable distribution of value
- Proposed merger consideration is
inadequate and below standalone value of Zale
- TIG Advisors strongly urges fellow
stockholders to vote BLUE proxy AGAINST proposed merger
TIG Advisors, LLC (“TIG Advisors” and together with its
affiliates the “TIG Advisors Group” or “we”) a stockholder of Zale
Corporation (NYSE:ZLC) (“Zale” or the “Company”), owning
approximately 9.5% of its outstanding shares of common stock, today
filed definitive proxy materials with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the
special meeting of Zale stockholders scheduled for May 29, 2014 to
consider the proposed merger of Zale with Signet Jewelers Limited
(NYSE:SIG) (“Signet”) for $21 per share in cash.
TIG Advisors urges all shareholders to join it in voting
AGAINST Signet’s inadequate $21 per
share offer for Zale.
Our public filings with the SEC detail the
many flaws in the valuation of Zale and the negotiation of the
agreement, that led us to oppose the transaction,
including:
1. Proposed merger consideration is inadequate and below the
standalone value of Zale;
2. Use of an inappropriate share price benchmark to value the
transaction, at a time when Management’s projections for the
Company were not known to investors;
3. Failure to include an equitable share of expected synergies
resulting in an inequitable distribution of value between
stockholders of Zale and Signet. Signet is receiving ~5x the value
received by Zale stockholders;
4. Shortcomings in the BofA fairness analysis, also tainted by a
potential conflict on BoA’s part; and
5. Potential conflicts of interest with Golden Gate Capital as a
result of the inclusion of Golden Gate’s representative on the
negotiation committee. Creating an inherent conflict of interest
between a 23% stockholder looking to sell its stake and a Board
decision over the right course to maximize shareholder value.
TIG Advisors is a substantial Zale stockholder, owning
approximately 9.5% of its stock. We intend to vote AGAINST the inadequate $21 per share offer
for Zale, and we strongly urge all our fellow stockholders to do
the same.
Support our efforts by voting on the BLUE proxy card by
internet, telephone or mail AGAINST the approval of the Merger
Agreement and related compensation proposals at the Special
Meeting. Alternatively, you may use management’s white proxy card
to vote AGAINST the
proposals.
Even if you have previously deposited a management white
proxy card in support of the proposals, you can still change your
vote by voting your BLUE proxy AGAINST
the merger.
If you have any questions, require assistance in voting your
proxy, or require replacement proxy materials, we encourage you to
immediately contact Charlie Koons 212-929-5708 or Larry Dennedy
212-929-5239 at MacKenzie Partners.
About TIG Advisors
TIG Advisors, LLC ("TIG") is an SEC registered investment
adviser. Founded in 1980, the firm is engaged in the active
management of alternative investment funds and their underlying
businesses. The company seeks to partner with experienced and
talented portfolio managers that it believes have proven and
repeatable investment processes. The firm strives to provide a
platform for managers to preserve the culture, philosophy, and
research capability that is distinct to their investment
discipline, while also drawing on the institutional infrastructure
of TIG.
Investor ContactMacKenzie Partners, Inc.Charlie Koons,
212-929-5708ckoons@mackenziepartners.comorLarry Dennedy,
212-929-5239ldennedy@mackenziepartners.comorMedia
ContactBayfield Strategy, Inc.Riyaz Lalani,
416-907-9365rlalani@bayfieldstrategy.com
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