AGREEMENT
Exhibit
99.1
AGREEMENT,
dated as of August 19, 2008, (this “Agreement”) by and
among Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Western Investment LLC, Western Investment Hedged
Partners L.P., Western Investment Activism Partners LLC, Western Investment
Institutional Partners LLC, Benchmark Plus Institutional Partners L.L.C.,
Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., Benchmark Plus Partners, L.L.C., Inc. (each
such person a “Member” and
collectively, the “Group”) and
Tri-Continental Corporation (the “Fund”).
WHEREAS,
certain of the Members have indicated that they wish to avoid a proxy
solicitation contest in respect of approval of the proposed investment
management services agreement (the “New Contract”)
between the Fund and RiverSource Investments, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (“Ameriprise”), at the Fund’s Special Meeting of
stockholders to be held on October 7, 2008 and that they desire the Fund to
take certain actions that they believe may further reduce the trading discount
of the Fund’s shares;
WHEREAS,
the board of directors of the Fund has determined that, in the circumstances, it
is in the best interests of the Fund to enter into this Agreement in order to
resolve the differences between the Group and the Fund;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and agreements herein set forth, and
in the spirit of co-operation and good faith, the parties do hereby agree as
follows:
SECTION
1. Definitions.
1.1
“1940 Act”
means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1.2
“Affiliated
Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940
Act. For purposes of this Agreement, J. & X. Xxxxxxxx & Co.
Incorporated (“Xxxxxxxx”) and its Affiliated Persons and related parties are
Affiliated Persons of the Fund. For purposes of clarity, neither Xxxxxxxx Select
Municipal Fund, Inc. nor Xxxxxxxx LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc.
shall be deemed to be an Affiliated Person of the Fund.
1.3
“Assignment
Date” means the date on which the Fund’s management agreement with
Xxxxxxxx is terminated in accordance with its terms as a result of the
acquisition of Xxxxxxxx by RiverSource Investments, LLC.
1.4
“Confidentiality
Agreement” has the meaning given in Section 5.5 hereof.
1.5
“New Contract”
has the meaning given in the recitals above.
1.6
“Special
Meeting” means the Fund’s special meeting of stockholders called to
consider, among other things, the New Contract and the election of directors,
including any postponements or adjournments thereof, and including any follow-on
Special Meeting as contemplated in Section 5.10.
1.7
“Voting
Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(42) of the
1940 Act.
SECTION
2. Covenants and
Releases of the Group and Members. The agreements, representations and
covenants provided herein are solely as to each such Member making them, and no
Member makes any agreement, representation or covenant as to any other
Member.
2.1 Each
Member agrees that such Member will not, nor will such Member participate with
the Group, nor, subject to Section 2.6, will any Affiliated Person of such
Member, directly or indirectly, pursue or present to the Special Meeting, any
proposal.
2.2 Each
Member agrees that he/it will not, nor will such Member participate with the
Group, nor, subject to Section 2.6, will any Affiliated Person of such
member, directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with others, for a period of
fifteen (15) years from the date of this Agreement, (a) initiate or
encourage, or in any way participate in, any litigation, or seek to initiate or
encourage any regulatory action or proceeding, against or on behalf of the Fund
or any of its Affiliated Persons for any action or inaction by any such persons
prior to the date of this Agreement that relates to the Fund; (b) make, or
in any way participate in, any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are
defined in Rule 14a-1 of Regulation 14A promulgated by the SEC
pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, disregarding
clause (iv) of Rule 14a-1(l)(2) and including any solicitation that
would otherwise be exempt pursuant to Rule 14a-2(b)), relating to the
Fund’s Voting Securities (except that any Member shall provide proxies to the
persons designated by the Fund’s board of directors as contemplated by
Section 2.3); (c) call, or in any way participate in a call for, any
meeting of stockholders of the Fund, or for any action by written consent of
stockholders; (d) request, or take any action to obtain or retain any
further list of holders of any securities of the Fund or otherwise seek to
inspect any books or records of the Fund; (e) initiate or propose any
stockholder proposal or participate in the making of, or solicit stockholders
for the approval of, one or more stockholder proposals relating to the Fund that
are not recommended by the Fund’s board of directors; (f) deposit any
Voting Securities in a voting trust or subject them to any voting agreement or
arrangements, other than as contemplated by this Agreement; (g) form, join
or in any way participate in a group with respect to any Voting Securities (or
any securities the ownership of which would make the owner thereof a beneficial
owner of Voting Securities), other than the Group or a subset thereof;
(h) otherwise act to control or influence the Fund or the management, board
of directors, policies or affairs of the Fund including, without limitation,
(1) soliciting or proposing to effect or negotiate any amendment to the
bylaws of the Fund, or any form of business combination, restructuring,
recapitalization, open-ending, liquidation, repurchase of shares or other
extraordinary
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transaction
involving the Fund, its securities or assets or (2) proposing any
candidates for election to the board of directors or otherwise seeking board
representation or the removal of any directors or a change in the composition or
size of the board of directors of the Fund; (i) take any action or disclose
any intent, purpose, plan or proposal with respect to this Agreement or the
Fund, or the management, policies or affairs or securities or assets of the Fund
that is inconsistent with this Agreement, including any action, intent, purpose,
plan or proposal that is conditioned on, or would require, waiver, amendment,
nullification or invalidation of any provision of this Agreement, or take any
action that could require the Fund to make any public disclosure relating to any
such intent, purpose, plan, proposal or condition; or (j) assist, advise,
or encourage any person with respect to, or seek to do, any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Member of the Group shall be prohibited from
taking any of the actions described in clauses (b), (d), (e), (g) and
(h) above, including the nomination of persons for election as director, in
connection with any meeting of stockholders of the Fund (other than the Special
Meeting) until such time as the New Contract is approved by the Fund’s
stockholders; provided
that, promptly after approval of the New Contract by stockholders of the Fund at
the Special Meeting, the Member shall cease any such actions and, if applicable,
advise the Fund that it withdraws any such outstanding requests, nominations, or
proposals.
2.3
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each Member agrees that:
(a) it shall cast all votes which it is entitled to cast by virtue of its
ownership of Voting Securities of the Fund on any applicable record date at the
Special Meeting in accordance with the recommendations of the Fund’s board of
directors, as set forth in the Fund’s definitive proxy statement, as it may be
amended or supplemented, relating to the Special Meeting; (b) it shall use
its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all of the Voting Securities of the
Fund for which such Member has the authority to vote to be counted (either by
such Member attending the Fund’s meeting of stockholders or providing a proxy to
the designees of the Fund’s board of directors) for the purpose of establishing
a quorum at any meeting of stockholders for a period of fifteen (15) years
from the date of this Agreement; (c) it shall hold and not sell or
otherwise transfer all Voting Securities owned by it as of the date hereof (as
indicated on Annex
C), and the related voting rights, at least through the date of the
Special Meeting; (d) to the extent the Member or any Affiliated Person
thereof is from time to time party to a swap or other derivative instrument
where its counterparty(ies) may own Voting Securities of the Fund, the Member
agrees that it will make no recommendation to such counterparty(ies) (except as
contemplated by Section 2.7) or otherwise seek in any way to influence the
decision(s) of such counterparty(ies) as to (x) whether to cause such
shares to be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum at any meeting of
stockholders or (y) how to vote such shares, in either case for a period of
fifteen (15) years from the date of this Agreement; and (e) it shall
tender into the In-Kind Offer contemplated by Section 3.2, and shall not
withdraw, all Voting Securities of the Fund that it is entitled to tender.
Following the Special Meeting, nothing herein shall limit the ability of a
Member to sell or otherwise transfer any Voting Securities owned by
it.
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2.4 Each
Member agrees that neither he/it nor, subject to Section 2.6, any of
his/its Affiliated Persons shall, for a period of fifteen (15) years from
the date hereof, purchase or otherwise acquire a beneficial ownership interest,
as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the rules under the Exchange Act,
in, or acquire economic exposure through a swap or other derivative instrument
to, Voting Securities of the Fund, provided that a Member’s
acquisition of a beneficial ownership interest in or economic exposure to Voting
Securities of the Fund from another Member, whether directly or indirectly,
shall not be a violation of this Section 2.4 by the acquiring
Member.
2.5 Each
Member and the Group, as GROUP RELEASORS, for good and valuable consideration
recited herein, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, release and discharge the Fund and all its past and/or present
Affiliated Persons, stockholders, officers, directors, employees, agents,
representatives, attorneys, insurers, fiduciaries, predecessors, heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in their individual and/or
representative capacities, as FUND RELEASEES, from all actions, causes of
action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills,
specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises,
variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, claims, and
demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity, which the GROUP RELEASORS or
their past and/or present Affiliated Persons, stockholders, officers, directors,
employees, agents, representatives, attorneys, insurers, fiduciaries,
predecessors, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in their
individual and/or representative capacities, ever had, now have or hereafter
can, shall or may have against the FUND RELEASEES for, upon, or by reason of any
matter, cause or thing whatsoever concerning or in any way related to the Fund
from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement.
2.6 Each
Member will use his/its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of his/its
Affiliated Persons to observe each provision of this Agreement as if such
Affiliated Person were a party to this Agreement.
2.7 Each
Member agrees that, if and to the extent he/it receives inquiries from other
stockholders of the Fund or their representatives (whether or not such other
stockholders have previously been contacted by the Fund), he/it will express
support for the recommendations of the Fund’s board of directors on matters to
be voted on at the Special Meeting.
2.8 Each
Member and the Group agrees that the Fund, without prejudice to any rights to
judicial relief it may otherwise have, shall be entitled to seek equitable
relief, including injunctive relief, in the event of any breach of the
provisions of this Agreement. Each Member and the Group agrees that
(i) neither he/it nor, subject to Section 2.6, any of his/its
Affiliated Persons will oppose the granting of such relief on the basis
that the Fund has an adequate remedy at law and (ii) each will be jointly
and severally liable for any reasonable fees that the Fund may incur in
enforcing this Agreement with respect to such Member, including but not limited
to attorneys’ fees.
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2.9 Each
Member and the Group agrees that no failure or delay by the Fund in exercising
any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor
shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further
exercise of any such right, power or privilege.
SECTION
3. Covenants and
Releases of the Fund.
3.1 The
Fund agrees that neither it, nor, subject to the Fund’s commercially reasonable
efforts to cause each of its Affiliated Persons to observe this
Section 3.1, any Affiliated Person of it, will, directly or indirectly,
alone or in concert with others, initiate or encourage, or in any way
participate in, any litigation, or seek to initiate or encourage any regulatory
action or proceeding, against or on behalf of a Member or the Group or any of
his/its Affiliated Persons for any action or inaction of any such person prior
to the date of this Agreement that relates to the Fund.
3.2 In
the event the New Contract is approved by the Fund’s stockholders by the
requisite vote at the Special Meeting, the Fund agrees to commence, promptly
after the later to occur of the date of such approval and the Assignment Date,
an in-kind tender offer in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth on
the term sheet attached as Annex A hereto (the
“In-Kind
Offer”).
3.3 As
soon as practicable after completion and settlement of the In-Kind Offer,
including any necessary pro-ration of tendered shares and the in-kind
distribution of the Fund’s portfolio securities, the Fund will commence a cash
tender offer in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth on the term
sheet attached as Annex B hereto; provided, however, that the
Fund shall have no obligation to commence a cash tender offer if the
volume-weighted average price of transactions in the Fund’s shares reported on
the consolidated tape during the five trading days immediately preceding the
expiration of the In-Kind Offer equals or exceeds 99.25% of the Fund’s average
daily net assets during such five day period.
3.4 The
Fund agrees that the next meeting of stockholders of the Fund will be the
Special Meeting, which is currently scheduled to be held October 7, 2008,
and to be held no later than November 14, 2008, subject to adjournment(s)
thereof (and subject to the possibility of there being one or more follow-on
Special Meetings as contemplated in Section 5.10), for the purpose of
approving the New Contract for the Fund and the election of directors, and will
include no matters to be considered that have been proposed by the Fund’s
management or board of directors other than as described in the preliminary
proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
July 28, 2008.
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3.5 The
Fund agrees to continue its current distribution and stock buyback policies (as
described in the Fund’s proxy statement dated April 13, 2007) until at
least December 31, 2008.
3.6 The
Fund, as FUND RELEASOR, for good and valuable consideration recited herein, the
receipt and legal sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, releases and
discharges each Member and the Group and all his/its past and/or present
Affiliated Persons, stockholders, officers, directors, employees, agents,
representatives, attorneys, insurers, fiduciaries, predecessors, heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in their individual and/or
representative capacities, as GROUP RELEASEES, from all actions, causes of
action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills,
specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises,
variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, claims, and
demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity, which the FUND RELEASOR or its
past and/or present Affiliated Persons, stockholders, officers, directors,
employees, agents, representatives, attorneys, insurers, fiduciaries,
predecessors, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in their
individual and/or representative capacities, ever had, now have or hereafter
can, shall or may have against the GROUP RELEASEES for, upon, or by reason of
any matter, cause or thing whatsoever concerning or in any way related to the
Fund or the Group’s Schedule 13D relating to the Fund, as amended as of the day
prior to this Agreement, filed by the Members relating to their ownership of the
Fund’s securities, or the other matters disclosed therein, from the beginning of
the world to the date of this Agreement.
3.7 The
Fund agrees that each Member and the Group, without prejudice to any rights to
judicial relief he/it may otherwise have, shall be entitled to seek equitable
relief, including injunctive relief, in the event of any breach of the
provisions of this Agreement. The Fund agrees that (i) neither it nor,
subject to the Fund’s commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of its
Affiliated Persons to observe this Section 3.7, any of its Affiliated
Persons will oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that the Member or
Group has an adequate remedy at law and (ii) the Fund will pay any
reasonable fees that a Member may incur in enforcing this Agreement, including
but not limited to attorneys’ fees.
3.8 The
Fund agrees that no failure or delay by a Member or the Group in exercising any
right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall
any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of
any such right, power or privilege.
SECTION
4. Representations.
Each of
the parties hereto represents and warrants with respect to itself that such
party is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, that
this Agreement has been duly executed by such party and that this Agreement is a
valid and binding agreement of such party. Each Member represents (as to itself
only) that it beneficially
owns or has economic exposure to (in the case of exposure through derivative
contracts), the securities of the Fund listed opposite its name on Annex C as of the
date of this Agreement, and no other securities of the Fund, and that it
beneficially owned or had economic exposure to (in the case of exposure through
derivative contracts) such securities (and no other securities) on July 17,
2008.
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SECTION
5. Miscellaneous.
5.1 This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
State of New York (without regard to the principles of conflict of laws
thereof).
5.2 This
Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by written agreement of
all parties hereto.
5.3 This
Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.
5.4 This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
5.5 This
Agreement and: (i) the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of July 21,
2008, among Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Western Investment LLC, Western Investment Hedged
Partners L.P., Western Investment Activism Partners LLC, Western Investment
Institutional Partners LLC and the Fund and (ii) the Confidentiality
Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2008, among Benchmark Plus Institutional
Partners L.L.C., Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., Benchmark Plus Partners,
L.L.C., Inc. and the Fund (collectively, the “Confidentiality
Agreement”) embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
hereto and thereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are
no other restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or
undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein or
therein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
between the parties with respect to such subject matter, other than the
Confidentiality Agreement.
5.6 If
any provision contained in this Agreement or the application thereof to any
Member or any Affiliated Person of any of them, or any other person or
circumstance shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any
applicable law as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained in this
Agreement, or the application of such provision to such persons or circumstances
other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall
remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or
invalidated thereby. In the case of any such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to agree upon
a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the
parties.
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5.7
Except as specifically contemplated herein, each Member agrees that, except to
the extent otherwise required by law or order of a court of competent
jurisdiction or as permitted in Section 5.8, it will not, nor, subject to
Section 2.6, will any Affiliated Person of it, communicate, directly or
indirectly, in any way with anyone, other than counsel to a Member who agrees to
be bound by the terms of this Section 5.7, as to any litigation or the
negotiations or circumstances leading to the execution of this Agreement except
to the extent of referring to this obligation of confidentiality in response to
unsolicited communications relating thereto. The Fund acknowledges and agrees
that this Agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the Group’s Schedule 13D/A
and the Group acknowledges and agrees that the Fund will file this Agreement as
an exhibit to its Form 8-K as contemplated by Section 5.8.
5.8 The
Fund agrees that, except to the extent otherwise required by law or order of a
court of competent jurisdiction, or advised by counsel that such disclosure is
necessary or appropriate, it will not disclose publicly the negotiations or
circumstances leading to the execution of this Agreement, the terms of this
Agreement or the parties to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each
Member agrees and acknowledges that the Fund may issue a press release
substantially in the form attached as Annex D hereto
promptly after this agreement is entered into and may file a Report on Form 8-K
having similar content and file or furnish this Agreement as an exhibit thereto,
and the Fund may file and send to stockholders a proxy statement containing
disclosure substantially in the form attached as Annex E hereto it
being understood that such form is subject to revision in response to comments
made by the Staff of the SEC.
5.9
Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, no provision
of this Agreement shall prohibit any party from (a) filing any documents
required by the SEC or applicable state securities agencies or making any other
public disclosure required by the federal or state securities law, provided that
the content of any document so filed does not violate any of the other terms and
conditions of this Agreement unless such content constitutes disclosure required
by any securities laws or rules or regulations promulgated from time to time by
the SEC or applicable state securities agencies, (b) responding to any
legal subpoena or other judicially enforceable written request from any court or
governmental agency of competent jurisdiction and testifying truthfully pursuant
to such subpoena or other request, (c) enforcing any rights of such party
under this Agreement, or (d) , in the case of a Member, communicating with
its actual or prospective clients or their representatives about such Member’s
investment in the Fund or this settlement in a manner which would not reasonably
be construed to be derogatory or critical of, or negative toward, the
Fund.
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5.10
Early
Termination. In the event that either:
(1)
(a) a Termination Event occurs, (b) the Fund breaches any material
provision of this Agreement including without limitation Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3,
3.4, or 3.5, or (c) subject to the proviso in Section 3.3, any of the
tender offers described in Annex A and Annex B hereto shall
not have been consummated in accordance with the terms thereof on or prior to
June 30, 2009, then upon the earlier to occur of any such event, Sections
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 and 2.9 shall immediately terminate and be of
no further force and effect; or
(2)
(a) a Termination Event occurs or (b) any Member breaches any material
provision of this Agreement including without limitation Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
2.4, 2.6 or 2.7 then Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 and 3.8 shall
immediately terminate and be of no further force and effect with respect to each
Member (in case of a Termination Event) or such Member (in the case of an event
described in clause (2)(b) of this Section 5.10).
For the
purposes of this Section 5.10 a “Termination Event” shall mean that the New
Contract is not approved by the Fund’s stockholders at the Special Meeting
currently scheduled for October 7, 2008 and is not subsequently approved by
the Fund’s stockholders at one or more follow-on Special Meetings of the Fund’s
stockholders held no later than February 15, 2009 for the purpose of
approving the New Contract.
5.11 The
parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this
Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation
arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties
hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or
disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this
Agreement.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the day and year first above written.
WESTERN
INVESTMENT HEDGED PARTNERS L.P.
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By:
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By:
Western Investment LLC, Its General Partner
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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WESTERN
INVESTMENT ACTIVISM PARTNERS LLC
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WESTERN
INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS LLC
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By:
Western Investment LLC, Its Managing Member
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By:
Western Investment LLC, Its Managing Manager
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By:
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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BENCHMARK
PLUS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.L.C.
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BENCHMARK
PLUS MANAGEMENT, L.L.C
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By:
Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., Its Managing Member
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By:
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
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Name:
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Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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By:
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||
By:
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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-10-
BENCHMARK
PLUS PARTNERS, L.L.C.
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By:
Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., Its Managing Member
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
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Title:
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Managing
Member
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TRI-CONTINENTAL
CORPORATION
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By:
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Name:
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Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
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Title:
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Secretary
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-11-
Annex A
Term
Sheet
TERM SHEET FOR IN-KIND
TENDER OFFER
Maximum
Number of Shares Offered to Purchase:
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The
Fund shall offer to purchase thirty-five percent (35%) of the total number
of shares outstanding at the commencement of the tender
offer.
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Commencement
Date of Tender Offer:
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In
the event the New Contract is approved by the Fund’s stockholders by the
requisite vote at the Special Meeting, the Fund agrees to commence the
Tender Offer, promptly after the later of the date of such approval and
the Assignment Date.
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Purchase
Price per Tendered Share:
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99.25%
of net asset value per share determined as of the close of the regular
trading session of the New York Stock Exchange on the trading day after
the date the tender offer expires or such other trading date (or average
net asset values on trading dates) selected prior to commencement of the
tender offer by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole
discretion.
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Form
of Purchase Consideration:
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A
pro rata portion
of the Fund’s cash (or cash equivalents) and portfolio securities (other
than securities that are not publicly traded, that would need to be
registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if
distributed in the tender offer, or that involve the assumption of
contractual obligations or trading restrictions).
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Expiration
Date of Tender Offer:
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At
least 20 business days from the date the tender offer is commenced, as
determined by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole discretion and
subject to extension by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole
discretion.
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Pro
Rationing:
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If
more than the above-referenced maximum number of shares are tendered, the
Fund will purchase tendered shares on a pro rata basis
(disregarding fractions) based upon the number of shares duly tendered
(and not subsequently withdrawn) by or on behalf of each
stockholder.
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Conditions
Relating to Regulatory Matters:
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The
tender offer shall be conducted in accordance with applicable law,
including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and the rules thereunder.
The
Fund does not currently intend to seek a private letter or similar ruling
from the Internal Revenue Service. If Fund counsel selected by the board
of directors do not advise the Fund to the effect that, by distributing
portfolio securities to participating stockholders, the Fund and those
stockholders who continue to hold shares after the tender offer will avoid
the recognition of capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes that
would otherwise be incurred if participating stockholders were to receive
cash consideration for their shares, then the board of directors may delay
commencement of the tender offer until a private letter or similar ruling
to that effect can be obtained. If the board of directors determines in
its sole discretion that such ruling cannot be obtained, or can be
obtained only with conditions or a delay the board of directors determines
in its sole discretion to be impracticable or unreasonable, then the board
of directors may elect either to proceed with the tender offer as
originally contemplated (and with possible tax consequences involving
recognition of capital gains to the Fund or stockholders upon exchange of
portfolio securities for tendered shares) or to change the consideration
for the tender offer to cash (with corresponding tax consequences
involving recognition of capital gains upon exchange) instead of portfolio
securities, but otherwise to continue the other terms in this term
sheet.
|
Other
Conditions:
|
|
The
Fund shall not be required to conduct or, if commenced, to complete the
tender offer if:
• The
Fund is not able through commercially reasonable efforts to procure
portfolio securities for purposes of conducting the tender offer in an
orderly manner and consistent with the Fund’s investment objective,
policies and status as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order to provide sufficient
consideration to repurchase shares tendered pursuant to the tender offer;
or
• There
shall be instituted, pending or threatened before any governmental entity
or court any action, proceeding, application or claim, or there shall be
any judgment, order or injunction sought or any other action taken by any
person or entity, which restrains, prohibits or materially delays the
making or consummation of the tender offer, challenges
the
|
A-2
|
acquisition
by the Fund of any shares pursuant to the tender offer or the Board’s
fulfillment of its fiduciary obligations in connection with the tender
offer or otherwise, seeks to obtain any material amount of damages in
connection with the tender offer or in relation to other Fund share
repurchases, or otherwise directly or indirectly adversely affects the
tender offer, other Fund share repurchases or the Fund; or
• There
shall have occurred (i) any general suspension of trading in or
limitation on prices for securities on the New York Stock Exchange, any
other exchange on which the Fund’s shares are traded or other exchange on
which portfolio securities held by the Fund are traded; (ii) any
declaration of a banking moratorium or similar action material adverse to
the Fund by U.S. federal or state authorities or any foreign jurisdiction,
or any suspension of payment material to the Fund by banks in the United
States, the State of New York, or any other jurisdiction; (iii) any
limitation having a material adverse effect on the Fund that is imposed by
U.S. federal or state authorities, or by any governmental authority of any
foreign jurisdiction, with respect to the extension of credit by lending
institutions or the convertibility of foreign currencies; (iv) the
commencement of war, armed hostilities, or any other international or
national calamity directly involving the United States other than any such
event which is currently occurring; or (v) any other event or
condition which, in the judgment of the board of directors, would have a
material adverse effect on the Fund if the tender offer were consummated;
or
• The
board of directors determines that effecting the tender offer would be
inconsistent with applicable legal requirements or would constitute a
breach of the fiduciary duties of the board of directors owed to the Fund
or its stockholders.
In
the event that any of the foregoing events occurs and the tender offer is
not conducted or completed, the Fund shall use its best efforts to
complete the tender offer promptly following the satisfaction or cessation
of the event or circumstances which resulted in the suspension of the
tender offer.
|
A-3
Annex B
Term
Sheet
TERM SHEET FOR CASH TENDER
OFFER
Maximum
Number of Shares Offered to Purchase:
|
|
The
Fund shall offer to purchase twelve and one-half percent (12.5%) of the
total number of shares of its common stock outstanding at the commencement
of the tender offer.
|
Commencement
Date of Tender Offer:
|
|
As
soon as practicable after completion and settlement of the In-Kind Offer
described in Annex A, including any necessary pro-ration of tendered
shares and the in-kind distribution of the Fund’s portfolio
securities.
|
Discount-Related
Condition to Commencement of Tender Offer:
|
|
The
Fund shall have no obligation to commence a cash tender offer if the
volume-weighted average price of transactions in the Fund’s shares
reported on the consolidated tape during the five trading days immediately
preceding the expiration of the In-Kind Offer equals or exceeds 99.25% of
the Fund’s average daily net assets during such five day
period.
|
Purchase
Price per Tendered Share:
|
|
99.25%
of net asset value per share determined as of the close of the regular
trading session of the New York Stock Exchange on the trading day after
the date the tender offer expires or such other trading date (or average
net asset values on trading dates) selected prior to commencement of the
tender offer by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole
discretion.
|
Form
of Purchase Consideration:
|
|
Cash
|
Expiration
Date of Tender Offer:
|
|
At
least 20 business days from the date the tender offer is commenced, as
determined by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole discretion and
subject to extension by the Fund’s board of directors in its sole
discretion.
|
Pro
Rationing:
|
|
If
more than the above-referenced maximum number of shares are tendered, the
Fund will purchase tendered shares on a pro rata basis
(disregarding fractions) based on upon the number of shares duly tendered
(and not subsequently withdrawn) by or on behalf of each
stockholder.
|
Conditions
Relating to Regulatory Matters:
|
|
The
tender offer shall be conducted in accordance with applicable law,
including the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and the rules thereunder.
|
Other
Conditions:
|
|
The
Fund shall not be required to conduct or, if commenced, to complete the
tender offer if:
•
There shall be instituted, pending or threatened before any governmental
entity or court any action, proceeding, application or claim, or there
shall be any judgment, order or injunction sought or any other action
taken by any person or entity, which restrains, prohibits or materially
delays the making or consummation of the tender offer, challenges the
acquisition by the Fund of any shares pursuant to the tender offer or the
Board’s fulfillment of its fiduciary obligations in connection with the
tender offer or otherwise, seeks to obtain any material amount of damages
in connection with the tender offer or in relation to other Fund share
repurchases, or otherwise directly or indirectly adversely affects the
tender offer, other Fund share repurchases or the Fund; or
•
There shall have occurred (i) any general suspension of trading in or
limitation on prices for securities on the New York Stock Exchange, any
other exchange on which the Fund’s shares are traded or other exchange on
which portfolio securities held by the Fund are traded; (ii) any
declaration of a banking moratorium or similar action material adverse to
the Fund by U.S. federal or state authorities or any foreign jurisdiction,
or any suspension of payment material to the Fund by banks in the United
States, the State of New York, or any other jurisdiction; (iii) any
limitation having a material adverse effect on the Fund that is imposed by
U.S. federal or state authorities, or by any governmental authority of any
foreign jurisdiction, with respect to the extension of credit by lending
institutions or the convertibility of foreign currencies; (iv) the
commencement of war, armed hostilities, or any other international or
national calamity directly involving the United States other than any such
event which is currently occurring; or (v) any other event or
condition which, in the judgment of the board of directors, would have a
material adverse effect on the Fund if the tender offer were consummated;
or
•
The board of directors determines that effecting the tender offer would be
inconsistent with applicable legal requirements or would constitute a
breach of the fiduciary duties of the board of directors owed to the Fund
or its stockholders.
|
B-2
|
In
the event that any of the foregoing events occurs and the tender offer is
not conducted or completed (other than if the tender offer is not
conducted as a result of the Discount-Related Condition), the Fund shall
use its best efforts to complete the tender offer promptly following the
satisfaction or cessation of the event or circumstances which resulted in
the suspension of the tender offer.
|
B-3
Annex C
|
Securities
of Fund Owned as of July 17, 2008
and
as of the date of the Agreement
|
|
Voting
Securities of the Fund
(consisting
solely of shares of
Common
Stock) to which the
Member
has Economic
Exposure
through one or More
Derivative
Contracts
|
|||||||
Name
of Member
|
|
Shares
of
Common
Stock
|
|
Warrants
|
|
Shares
of
Preferred
Stock
|
|
As
of July 17, 2008
|
|
As
of date of
Agreement
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
|
5,706,016
(includes
shares beneficially owned by other members of the Western
Group)
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
975,900
(includes
economic position held by other members of the Western
Group)
|
|
981,000
|
Western
Investment
LLC
|
|
5,705,115
(includes
shares beneficially owned by other members of the Western
Group)
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
975,900
(includes
economic position held by other members of the Western
Group)
|
|
981,000
|
Western
Investment Activism
Partners
LLC
|
|
2,203,600
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
439,200
|
|
439,200
|
Western
Investment Hedged Partners L.P.
|
|
2,338,515
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
439,300
|
|
444,400
|
Western
Investment Institutional
Partners
LLC
|
|
644,000
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
97,400
|
|
97,400
|
Benchmark
Plus Institutional
Partners,
L.L.C.
|
|
1,810,050
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Benchmark
Plus
Management,
L.L.C.
|
|
3,335,225
(includes
shares beneficially owned by other Benchmark funds)
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Benchmark
Plus
Partners,
L.L.C.
|
|
1,525,175
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Annex D
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tri-Continental
Corporation (NYSE: TY) Announces Agreement with Certain Stockholders, including
Western Investment LLC
NEW YORK,
August 19, 2008 – Tri-Continental Corporation (the “Fund”) (NYSE: TY) today
announced that it had entered into an agreement with a stockholder group (the
“Group”) including Western Investment LLC whereby the members of the Group have
agreed to cast their votes at the Fund’s upcoming special meeting of
stockholders in accordance with the recommendations of the Fund’s board. The
special meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2008.
Stockholders
are being asked to approve an investment management services agreement (the “New
Agreement”) between the Fund and RiverSource Investments, LLC (“RiverSource”), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Stockholders will also
consider and vote on the election of 10 directors to the Fund’s board. On
July 7, 2008 it was announced that RiverSource agreed to acquire
J. & X. Xxxxxxxx & Co. Incorporated, the Fund’s manager
(“Xxxxxxxx”).
The Fund
has agreed that, if stockholders approve the New Agreement with RiverSource and
RiverSource’s acquisition of Xxxxxxxx is completed, the Fund will promptly
commence an in-kind tender offer for 35% of its then outstanding shares of
common stock. The purchase price in the in-kind tender offer will be 99.25% of
the net asset value per share at the close of business on the trading day
following the expiration of the offer and will be payable by means of a
distribution of a portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio, including
distributable securities and cash, in such a manner that each stockholder whose
shares are purchased will receive assets representing, as closely as reasonably
practicable, a pro rata share of the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The Fund
has also agreed to commence, promptly upon completion and settlement of the
in-kind tender offer, a cash tender offer for 12.5% of its then outstanding
shares of common stock. The purchase price in the cash tender offer will be
99.25% of the net asset value per share at the close of business on the trading
day following the expiration of the cash tender offer. The Fund will not be
obligated to commence the cash tender offer if the volume-weighted average price
of the Fund’s common stock during the five trading days preceding the expiration
of the in-kind tender offer is 99.25% or more of the average of the common
stock’s daily net asset value per share during that period.
The
agreement with the Group also provides that the Fund will continue its current
distribution policy and open-market repurchase policy until at least
December 31, 2008. The Fund’s obligation to commence each tender offer is
subject to customary conditions.
In
addition to their agreement to support the recommendations of the Fund’s board
at the special meeting, the members of the Group have each agreed to refrain
from taking certain actions in respect of the Fund that might affect control or
management of the Fund. The members of the Group and the Fund have also agreed
to general releases of each other.
This
announcement is not an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell
shares of the Fund or a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use
in the purchase or sale of Fund shares. The tender offers referred to in this
announcement will be made only by offers to purchase and related letters of
transmittal. Stockholders of the Fund should read the tender offer statements,
when available, carefully, because they will contain important information on
the Fund and the tender offers. Stockholders may obtain the tender offer
statements and other filed documents, when available, for free at the SEC’s web
site at xxxx://xxx.xxx.xxx or
from Xxxxxxxx Data Corp., the Fund’s shareholder servicing agent
at 1-800-TRI-1092.
# #
#
Tri-Continental Corporation is
one of the nation’s largest, diversified, publicly traded closed-end equity
investment companies and has paid dividends for 64 consecutive years. The Fund
is managed by J. & X. Xxxxxxxx & Co. Incorporated, a New
York-based investment manager and advisor, which was founded in 1864. Xxxxxxxx
Advisors, Inc. is the principal underwriter of the Xxxxxxxx mutual
funds.
You
should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the
Fund carefully before investing. A prospectus containing information about the
Fund (including its investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other
information) may be obtained by calling 1-800-TRI-1092. The prospectus should be
read carefully before investing in the Fund.
Contact:
Media:
Xxxx Xxx
Xxxxx, (000) 000-0000
xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
or
Stockholder:
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, (000) 000-0000
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
You may contact Western Investment
LLC:
Telephone:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Email:
|
xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
|
D-2
Annex E
[Form
of Proxy Statement Disclosure]
Agreement with Certain Stockholders.
The Corporation recently entered into confidential discussions with
several major stockholders concerning various matters associated with the
upcoming Meeting. On August 19, 2008 the Corporation announced that it had
entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with a group of stockholders
including Western Investment LLC (the “Group”) pursuant to which the members of
the Group agreed to cast their votes in accordance with the Board’s
recommendation that stockholders approve the Proposed Advisory Agreement and
elect each of the Nominees. This Agreement will avoid the costs, distractions,
and inconvenience to stockholders of a proxy fight.
The
Agreement provides that, subject to certain conditions, if the Proposed Advisory
Agreement is approved at the Meeting (or any adjournment or postponement
thereof) and the acquisition of Xxxxxxxx by Ameriprise occurs, the Corporation
will promptly commence an in-kind tender offer for 35% of its outstanding shares
of Common Stock at a purchase price equal to 99.25% of net asset value per share
at the close of business on the trading day following the expiration of such
offer. The purchase price will be payable by means of a distribution of a
portion of the Corporation’s investment portfolio, including distributable
securities and cash, in such a manner that each stockholder whose shares are
purchased will receive assets representing as closely as reasonably practicable
a pro rata share of the Corporation’s investment portfolio. The Corporation has
also agreed to commence, promptly upon completion and settlement of the in-kind
tender offer, a cash tender offer for 12.5% of its outstanding shares of Common
Stock. The purchase price in the cash tender offer will be 99.25% of the net
asset value per share at the close of business on the trading day following the
expiration of the cash tender offer. The Corporation will not be obligated to
commence the cash tender offer if the volume-weighted average price of the
Corporation’s Common Stock during the five trading days preceding the expiration
of the in-kind tender offer is 99.25% or more of the average of the Common
Stock’s daily net asset value per share during that period.
Under the
Agreement, the Corporation further agreed to extend the Corporation’s current
distribution policy and open-market repurchase policy (each as described in the
Corporation’s proxy statement dated April 13, 2007) until at least
December 31, 2008. Each member of the Group agreed to a refrain for a
period of 15 years from the date of the Agreement from taking certain actions,
including acquisitions of securities of the Corporation, launching proxy
contests, nominating directors and making stockholder proposals, which might
affect control or management of the Corporation, and also agreed to ensure that
any shares of the Corporation’s securities it has the authority to vote are
present for quorum purposes at all meetings of the Corporation for 15 years from
the date of the Agreement. The members of the Group and the Corporation have
also agreed to general releases of each other.
Stockholders
who hold their Common Stock with accounts held at SDC and wish to participate in
the in-kind tender offer will need to transfer their shares to a brokerage
account. Stockholders who hold their Common Stock with accounts held at SDC and
wish to participate in only the cash tender
offer need not transfer their shares away from SDC. Details of the tender offers
will be contained in the definitive documentation sent to stockholders and the
foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to such definitive
documentation.
E-2