Emulex:Glass Lewis Says Holders Should Shun Broadcom Proposals
June 22 2009 - 11:37AM
Dow Jones News
Emulex Corp. (ELX), facing a $9.25-a-share hostile takeover
offer from Broadcom Corp. (BRCM), said Monday proxy advisor Glass
Lewis & Co. recommended that stockholders reject Broadcom's
consent solicitation calling for an investor meeting to vote on a
new slate of directors.
Emulex said Glass Lewis recommended investors reject all five of
Broadcom's proposals, as the reforms were submitted "merely in an
effort to force an acquisition of the company."
The proxy advisor added that it "finds no reason to believe that
Emulex's board has not acted in the best interests of
shareholders," according to Emulex.
Glass Lewis representatives didn't immediately return a call
seeking comment.
Broadcom questioned Glass Lewis's interpretation of the
proposals, saying that Glass Lewis made an initial recommendation
that shareholders support two of Broadcom's proposals.
Broadcom offered what it said was Glass Lewis's initial
recommendation: "Though the intent of this proposal is to call a
special meeting at which the board may be replaced, we note that
shareholders are not being asked to consider such a replacement at
this time. As such, we believe shareholders should consent to this
proposal."
Broadcom's attempted takeover of storage networking firm Emulex
has become increasingly nasty, with both sides attacking each
other's motives and initiating lawsuits.
However, Emulex shares have consistently traded above the $9.25
offer price, leading few stockholders to tender shares to Broadcom
when a better price is available on the open market. As of June 17,
less than 3% of Emulex shares were tendered.
"We appreciate the broad support we have received from
stockholders on the Board's recommendation against Broadcom's
offer," said Emulex Chief Executive Jim McCluney in a
statement.
Emulex shares were recently down 2% to $10.83. Broadcom fell
1.3% to $25.16.
-By Jerry A. DiColo; Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2155;
jerry.dicolo@dowjones.com