Filed by Pure Compliance
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant o
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant þ
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
INTER-TEL (DELAWARE), INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
SUMMIT GROWTH MANAGEMENT LLC
THE STEVEN G. MIHAYLO TRUST
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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PRELIMINARY COPY
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION: DATED JUNE 22, 2007
PROXY STATEMENT OF STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
IN OPPOSITION TO
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
INTER-TEL (DELAWARE), INCORPORATED
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 29, 2007
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed GREEN Proxy Card are being
furnished by Steven G. Mihaylo (Mr. Mihaylo) to holders of common stock
(the Common Stock) of Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated, a Delaware
corporation (formerly known as Inter-Tel, Incorporated, an Arizona
corporation), whose principal executive offices are located at 1615 South
52nd Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (Inter-Tel or the Company), in
connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at a special meeting of
the Companys stockholders and at any and all adjournments or postponements
thereof, to be held on June 29, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the
offices of Snell & Wilmer LLP, 400 East Van Buren Street, One Arizona Center,
Phoenix, Arizona, 85004 (the Special Meeting). Pursuant to this Proxy
Statement, Mr. Mihaylo is soliciting proxies from holders of shares of
Inter-Tel Common Stock to vote AGAINST the proposal to adopt the Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of April 26, 2007, by and among Inter-Tel, Mitel
Networks Corporation (Mitel), and Arsenal Acquisition Corporation
(Acquisition Sub, and such agreement, the Merger Agreement), and AGAINST
the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting, if necessary or
appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes
in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting. Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, Acquisition Sub would be merged with and into
Inter-Tel (the Merger), and Inter-Tel would survive the Merger as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitel. Mr. Mihaylo reserves all rights with
respect to the Merger and the Merger Agreement, including his right to
exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law.
The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Special Meeting is May 25, 2007. As of the record date, Mr.
Mihaylo was the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 5,189,748 shares of
Common Stock. Of such shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo, 5,179,498
shares are voting securities, representing approximately 19.0% of the shares
outstanding on the record date.
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed GREEN Proxy Card are first being
mailed or furnished to the stockholders of the Company on or about June [], 2007.
THIS SOLICITATION IS BEING MADE BY MR. MIHAYLO AND NOT ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.
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MR. MIHAYLO URGES YOU TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED MERGER
BY SIGNING, DATING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED GREEN PROXY CARD VOTING AGAINST
THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT, NO MATTER HOW MANY OR HOW FEW SHARES YOU OWN. PLEASE
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED GREEN PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE PROMPTLY. PROPERLY VOTING THE ENCLOSED GREEN PROXY CARD
AUTOMATICALLY REVOKES ANY PROXY PREVIOUSLY SIGNED OR RETURNED BY YOU.
DO NOT RETURN ANY WHITE PROXY CARD SENT TO YOU BY INTER-TEL. Even if you
previously have voted Yes on Inter-Tels white proxy card, you have every
legal right to change your vote by signing, dating and returning the enclosed
GREEN Proxy Card. If you voted NO on Inter-Tels white proxy card there is
no need to change your vote or submit a GREEN proxy card. ONLY YOUR LATEST
DATED PROXY WILL COUNT AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
IF YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE REGISTERED IN YOUR OWN NAME, PLEASE SIGN,
DATE AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED GREEN PROXY CARD TO MR. MIHAYLO IN CARE OF
MACKENZIE PARTNERS, INC. (MACKENZIE), THE FIRM ASSISTING MR. MIHAYLO IN THE
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES, IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
IF YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A BROKERAGE FIRM,
BANK, NOMINEE OR OTHER INSTITUTION, ONLY IT CAN SIGN A GREEN PROXY CARD WITH
RESPECT TO YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND ONLY UPON RECEIPT OF SPECIFIC
INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOU. ACCORDINGLY, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE
FOR YOUR ACCOUNT AND GIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A GREEN PROXY CARD TO BE SIGNED
REPRESENTING YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK. MR. MIHAYLO URGES YOU TO CONFIRM IN
WRITING YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACCOUNT AND TO
PROVIDE A COPY OF SUCH INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. MIHAYLO IN CARE OF MACKENZIE AT
THE ADDRESS INDICATED BELOW SO THAT MR. MIHAYLO WILL BE AWARE OF ALL
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN AND CAN ATTEMPT TO ENSURE THAT SUCH INSTRUCTIONS ARE
FOLLOWED.
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IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EXECUTING YOUR PROXY OR
REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT:
MACKENZIE PARTNERS, INC.
105 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
TOLL FREE: (800) 322-2885
or
CALL COLLECT: (212) 929-5500
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
BACKGROUND OF MR. MIHAYLOS DECISION TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED MERGER
Mr. Mihaylo is the founder of the Company and served as Chairman of the
Inter-Tel Board of Directors (the Inter-Tel Board) from July 1969 to
October 1982 and from September 1983 to July 2005. He has served as a member
of the Inter-Tel Board from July 1969 until March 2006, and from May 2006 to
present. Mr. Mihaylo served as President of Inter-Tel from 1969 to 1983, from
1984 to December 1994, and from May 1998 to February 2005. He served as
Inter-Tels Chief Executive Officer from the time of the Companys formation
in July 1969 to February 2006. Mr. Mihaylo also has the single largest
holdings of shares of Company Common
Stock. As the founder, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a current
director and the largest stockholder of Inter-Tel, Mr. Mihaylo believes the
Inter-Tel Board owes a duty to pursue stockholder value and to guide
Inter-Tel to profitable growth for the benefit of its stockholders and
employees. His decision to solicit your proxy is entirely motivated by what
he believes is in the best interests of stockholders from a financial
perspective.
Mr. Mihaylo beneficially owns 5,189,748 shares of Common Stock. Of such
shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo, 5,179,498 shares are voting
securities, representing approximately 19.0% of the shares outstanding on the
record date.
In February 2006, Mr. Mihaylo was asked by the Inter-Tel Board to resign as
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and on March 6, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo
also resigned as a director of the Company and filed a Schedule 13D with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), in which Mr. Mihaylo
indicated that he was considering his alternatives with respect to the future
of Inter-Tel and disclosed the resignations and his investment in the
Company. The Schedule 13D also disclosed that Mr. Mihaylo had engaged legal
counsel and that RBC Capital Markets Corporation (RBC) had been engaged as
financial advisor on March 3, 2006.
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On April 7, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo, in accordance with the Companys advance
notice bylaws, submitted to the Inter-Tel Board his advance notices of
director nominations and shareholder business to be brought before the 2006
annual meeting of shareholders (the 2006 Annual Meeting). In the notices,
Mr. Mihaylo stated that he intended to appear at the 2006 Annual Meeting in
person or by proxy to, among other things, (i) nominate a slate of three
directors (Mr. Mihaylo, Kenneth L. Urish and Dr. Anil K. Puri) for election
at the 2006 Annual Meeting, and (ii) introduce at the 2006 Annual Meeting
several resolutions to be submitted to the vote of the shareholders,
including a resolution urging the Inter-Tel Board to arrange for the prompt
sale of the Company to the highest bidder and resolutions to repeal recently
adopted amendments to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the
Arizona Bylaws) with respect to shareholders ability to call a special
meeting and the advance notice provisions.
On April 10, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo sent a letter to the Inter-Tel Board to
reaffirm his interest in meeting with the Inter-Tel Board or its advisors to
discuss a possible all cash acquisition of the Company, as previously
expressed in a letter to the Inter-Tel Board. In his April 10 letter, Mr.
Mihaylo informed the Inter-Tel Board that he had submitted his advance
notices of director nominations and shareholder business in order to preserve
his ability to communicate directly with the Companys shareholders and to
solicit their support for his proposal to seek a prompt sale of the Company
to the highest bidder. Mr. Mihaylo also informed the Inter-Tel Board that he
was prepared to sign a confidentiality agreement containing reasonable
provisions, but not one that would inhibit or preclude his ability to make an
offer directly to the Company or its shareholders or to conduct his proxy
solicitation.
On April 21, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Summit Growth Management LLC (Summit),
an entity through which Mr. Mihaylo makes investments and of which he is the
sole member and managing member, filed a preliminary proxy statement with the
SEC in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting relating to a number of
proposals, including the election of three directors nominated by Mr.
Mihaylo, a proposal urging the Inter-Tel Board to arrange for the prompt sale
of the Company to the highest bidder and proposals relating to the Arizona
Bylaws, including the repeal of the advance notice bylaws.
On May 5, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and the Company entered into a settlement
agreement (the Settlement Agreement) to settle the potential proxy contest
in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting. In addition to other provisions,
the Settlement Agreement stipulated that:
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Inter-Tel would appoint Mr. Mihaylo, Kenneth L. Urish and
Dr. Anil K. Puri to the Inter-Tel Board, effective May 6, 2006,
and the Inter-Tel Board would be increased from eight to 11
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Inter-Tel would nominate and recommend these 11 directors
for re-election to the Inter-Tel Board at the 2006 Annual
Meeting; |
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Mr. Mihaylo would withdraw his proxy solicitation for the
2006 Annual Meeting, including his shareholder proposals, and
would vote in favor of the slate of 11
directors nominated by Inter-Tel and the other proposals presented by
the Company; |
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The Inter-Tel Board notified Mr. Mihaylo and Summit that,
until Mr. Mihaylo files a Schedule 13D disclosing that he no
longer has an intent to increase his shareholdings or otherwise
acquire the Company, the Inter-Tel Board presently intended to
exclude, and it was agreed by Mr. Mihaylo and Summit that,
subject to such agreement not causing the three directors
nominated by Mr. Mihaylo to breach their fiduciary duties as
directors of the Company, the Inter-Tel Board may exclude such
three directors from any discussions concerning, and from receipt
of any materials regarding, the Companys value and the strategic
plan upon which such value would in part be based, the Companys
relationship with Mr. Mihaylo, and the consideration of any
proposal to acquire the Company from Mr. Mihaylo or any other
person; |
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Prior to December 31, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Summit agreed
that, other than by evaluating and making a Mihaylo Proposal (as
defined below), they would not acquire, offer or propose to
acquire, or agree to acquire, any Common Stock, provided that
activities in connection with evaluating and making a Mihaylo
Proposal were not subject to this restriction; |
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Prior to the earlier of (a) December 31, 2006, (b) the entry
by the Company into a definitive agreement with respect to a
third party proposal, (c) the public announcement of an
extraordinary corporate transaction (for example, a material
acquisition, a reorganization, an extraordinary dividend, or a
sale of a significant number of shares), and (d) the submission
of a Mihaylo Request (as defined below), Mr. Mihaylo and Summit
agreed (i) not to publicly make any adverse statement regarding
the Company, its directors, management, or employee personnel,
its business, or the 2006 Annual Meeting, (ii) not to visit any
Company facility (other than in connection with Inter-Tel Board,
committee or shareholder meetings scheduled to be held at a
Company facility), and (iii) to notify the Company at least five
business days in advance of submitting a Mihaylo Proposal of Mr.
Mihaylos non-binding intent to do so and to attempt to
coordinate with the Company public disclosure thereof; and the
Company agreed not to publicly make any adverse statement
regarding Mr. Mihaylo and Summit; |
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Upon reasonable notice, the Company agreed to provide
promptly to Mr. Mihaylo and his advisors and financing sources
access to the reasonable due diligence information requested in
good faith, in order to facilitate the making of an all cash
acquisition proposal for outstanding shares of Common Stock
(other than shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo) accompanied
by commitment letters (subject only to customary conditions) of
financial institutions of national reputation (including Vector
Capital Corporation (Vector) and RBC) demonstrating a
reasonable certainty of Mr. Mihaylos ability to finance the
transaction in its entirety (a Mihaylo Proposal); |
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If the Inter-Tel Board determined that the initially
submitted Mihaylo Proposal was not in the best interests of the
Companys shareholders (or failed to make such determination
within 10 business days of submission of the Mihaylo Proposal),
then, upon the request of Mr. Mihaylo (a) in the event the
Inter-Tel Board failed to make such determination within such 10
business day period, made within 20 business days after
submission of the Mihaylo Proposal or (b) in the event the
Inter-Tel Board determined that the Mihaylo Proposal was not in
the best interests of the Companys shareholders, made within 10
business days after receipt by Mr. Mihaylo of written notice of
such determination or public announcement thereof (the Mihaylo
Request), the Company agreed to promptly call a special meeting
of shareholders to vote on the proposals set forth in the Mihaylo
Request, including, without limitation, any proposal urging the
Inter-Tel Board to arrange for the prompt sale of the Company to
the highest bidder (the Sell the Company Request). The Company
agreed not to contest the calling of the special meeting as to
the Sell the Company Request but could contest the calling of the
meeting for other purposes and the submission of proposals other
than the Sell the Company Request at the special meeting, and the
Company could oppose the Sell the Company Request and any other
proposals that were included in the Mihaylo Request; |
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If, prior to August 31, 2006, the Inter-Tel Board entered
into a definitive agreement to be acquired by a third party that
provided for per share cash consideration higher than the cash
consideration provided in the final proposal Mr. Mihaylo
presented to the Company and Mr. Mihaylo determined not to make a
competing proposal, then Mr. Mihaylo agreed to vote all shares of
Common Stock beneficially owned by him in favor of such proposal,
provided that the Inter-Tel Board shall have recommended such
proposal and not changed such recommendation or no other third
party shall have publicly announced an acquisition proposal that
would provide for higher per share consideration. |
Concurrently with the execution of the Settlement Agreement, the Company and
Mr. Mihaylo entered into a confidentiality agreement (the Confidentiality
Agreement). The Settlement Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement were
included as exhibits to a Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Mihaylo with the SEC on
May 8, 2006.
On May 6, 2006, Inter-Tel increased the size of the Inter-Tel Board and
appointed Mr. Mihaylo, Kenneth L. Urish and Dr. Anil K. Puri as directors.
On May 18, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and Vector entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (the Memorandum) to outline certain elements of understanding
between them with respect to a potential acquisition of Inter-Tel.
On June 14, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector submitted a proposal to the
Inter-Tel Board to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
(other than shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo that he would contribute
to INTL Acquisition Corp., an entity formed by an affiliate of Mr. Mihaylo
and Vector to acquire Inter-Tel (IAC)) for $22.50 per share in cash.
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On June, 28, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and the Company entered into the
Amendment to Settlement Agreement, which provided, among other things:
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The parties entered into the Amendment to Settlement
Agreement without agreeing whether the proposal submitted by Mr.
Mihaylo and Vector on June 14, 2006 was a Mihaylo Proposal or
whether the Company did or did not comply with its obligations
under the Settlement Agreement; |
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The Company would not respond to the June 14 offer of Mr.
Mihaylo and Vector, and Mr. Mihaylo and Summit waived any right
to claim that the Companys failure to respond triggered the
right of Mr. Mihaylo and Summit to make a Mihaylo Request to call
a special meeting of shareholders pursuant to Section 5 of the
Settlement Agreement; |
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The Company would promptly provide Mr. Mihaylo, his advisors
and financing sources in good faith such additional due diligence
information and access to information, facilities, persons and
business records as is customary and reasonably necessary to
allow Mr. Mihaylo and his affiliates and partners to make an
offer (and his financing sources to provide commitment letters)
without the subject to confirmatory due diligence condition and
otherwise meeting all of the criteria for a Mihaylo Proposal set
forth in the Settlement Agreement; |
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Sections 4 and 7 of the Settlement Agreement were amended by
deleting all references to June 15, 2006 and substituting in each
place thereof the date of July 28, 2006; and |
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Sections 7 and 8 of the Settlement Agreement were amended by
deleting all references to August 31, 2006 and substituting in
each place thereof the date of September 30, 2006. |
After the execution of the Amendment to Settlement Agreement, representatives
of Mr. Mihaylo and Vector conducted additional due diligence on the Company.
On June 30, 2006, the Company announced that the reincorporation of the
Company from Arizona to Delaware became effective June 28, 2006. As part of
the reincorporation, the By-laws of Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated, which
had been approved by the Companys shareholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting on
May 31, 2006, became effective (the Delaware By-laws).
On July 28, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector resubmitted their offer to acquire
all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than shares beneficially
owned by Mr. Mihaylo that he would contribute to IAC) for $22.50 per share,
in cash. The July 28 proposal was substantially the same as the June 14
proposal except that the July 28 proposal was not subject to satisfactory
completion of confirmatory due diligence.
On August 11, 2006, Alexander L. Cappello (Mr. Cappello), Chairman of the
Inter-Tel Board, sent a letter on behalf of the Special Committee to Mr.
Mihaylo and a representative
of Vector stating that the Special Committee had rejected the July 28
proposal and concluded that the proposal was inadequate and not in the best
interests of the Companys shareholders, other than Mr. Mihaylo and Vector.
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Also on August 11, 2006, the Company issued a press release announcing that
the Special Committee, with the assistance of its financial and legal
advisors, had rejected as inadequate the unsolicited proposal from Mr.
Mihaylo and Vector. In addition, the Company announced that the Special
Committee had authorized the Companys financial advisor to review and
explore various strategic options for the Company.
On August 21, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector responded to the Companys
rejection of their offer. In a letter to the Special Committee, Mr. Mihaylo
and Vector stated [i]n order to avoid the expense and disruption of a proxy
contest, we are prepared to raise our offer price to $23.25 per share in cash
if the Special Committee publicly commits to commence immediately a sales
process designed to result in the prompt sale of the Company to the highest
bidder at a price not less than our offer price, such process to be concluded
within thirty days. The letter gave Inter-Tel until noon California time,
Friday, August 25, 2006 to respond.
On August 21, 2006, the Company issued a press release confirming that it had
received the revised proposal from Mr. Mihaylo and Vector but stated that the
proposal is subject to a number of conditions.
On August 22, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector issued a press release in response
to the Companys public statements that their offer is subject to a number
of conditions. In the press release, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector reaffirmed that
the only condition to their offer is that Inter-Tel sign customary definitive
agreements, and that, contrary to the Companys statements, the only issue is
whether the Special Committee would say yes by noon on Friday, August 25,
2006. Mr. Mihaylo and Vector pointed out that other provisions, including the
30-day process to seek other bidders in order to maximize potential value,
were intended for the benefit of the Inter-Tel Board and stockholders, and
are not requirements for the acquisition.
The Special Committee did not respond to the proposal in the August 21 letter
from Mr. Mihaylo and Vector prior to the deadline, and on August 25, 2006,
Mr. Mihaylo submitted a request that the Company call a special meeting of
stockholders (the 2006 Special Meeting) to consider the Sell the Company
Resolution.
Also on August 25, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector filed a preliminary proxy
statement with the SEC in connection with the 2006 Special Meeting,
recommending that stockholders vote for the Sell the Company Resolution. On
September 1, 2006, Inter-Tel filed its preliminary proxy statement with the
SEC in connection with the 2006 Special Meeting, recommending that
stockholders vote against the Sell the Company Resolution. On September 15,
2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector filed their definitive proxy statement with the
SEC in connection with the 2006 Special Meeting, and on September 19, 2006,
Inter-Tel filed its definitive proxy statement with the SEC in connection
with the 2006 Special Meeting.
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At the 2006 Special Meeting on October 24, 2006, 11,272,464 shares were voted
against the Sell the Company Resolution, representing slightly over 50% of
the 22,524,535 shares of Common Stock that were represented in person or by
proxy. On November 8, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector withdrew their offer to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. In a 13D filed with
the SEC on November 9, 2006 in connection with the offer withdrawal, Mr.
Mihaylo and Vector stated that they were reviewing their alternatives with
respect to the Company and had not decided on their future actions.
On January 19, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo sent a letter (the January 19 Letter) to
the Inter-Tel Board expressing his hope that, through a cooperative process
with the Inter-Tel Board, Mr. Mihaylo and the Inter-Tel Board could develop a
judicious plan of action to lead the Company forward with a renewed focus on
enhancing stockholder value in the near and longer term. To that end, Mr.
Mihaylo set forth a number of ideas for the Inter-Tel Board to consider
implementing which Mr. Mihaylo believed would enhance value for all
stockholders. Mr. Mihaylo stated in the January 19 Letter that he believed
his ideas would benefit all of the Companys stockholders by significantly
increasing earnings per share and considerably reducing the friction between
the current Inter-Tel Board and Mr. Mihaylo. Mr. Mihaylo further stated that
he believed that if his ideas were implemented, another proxy contest could
be averted, thus allowing the Inter-Tel Board to focus on the immediate task
at hand of increasing stockholder value and growing the strongest possible
Company for all stockholders. The text of the January 19 Letter follows:
Steven G. Mihaylo
P.O. Box 19790
Reno, Nevada 89511
January 19, 2007
VIA EMAIL AND FEDERAL EXPRESS
Board of Directors of Inter-Tel
(Delaware), Incorporated
c/o Alex Cappello, Chairman
1615 South 52nd Street
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Dear Members of the Board of Directors:
As the Board is aware, I have had the opportunity to observe the
Board and the Company since I was reappointed to the Board in May 2006,
although I have not been privy to all of the financial information and
strategic direction of the Company while my offer was pending. While I
continue to reserve all rights with respect to any future actions I may
take with respect to the Company and my investment therein, I am
hopeful that through a cooperative process with the Board
we can develop a judicious plan of action to lead the Company forward
with a renewed focus on enhancing stockholder value in the near and
longer term. To that end, I request that the Board consider immediately
implementing the following constructive ideas designed to move the
Company forward and enhance value for all stockholders:
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Consider reducing the size of Inter-Tels Board from 11 to 10 members,
with the Board consisting of (a) the Chief Executive Officer, (b) Dr.
Puri, Mr. Urish and me, (c) three other existing outside members of
the Board, and (d) three new independent directors mutually acceptable
to the Board and me. Alternatively, in order to save costs and
facilitate the scheduling of Board meetings, I would be amenable to a
7 member Board, consisting of (a) the Chief Executive Officer, (b) Dr.
Puri, Mr. Urish and me, and (c) three new independent directors
mutually acceptable to the Board and me. |
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Retain a financial advisor to advise the Board on the feasibility and
financial impact of a Dutch-auction self tender offer to repurchase
between $200 million and $250 million of the Companys common stock. |
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Disband the Special Committee, thereby eliminating all of the costs associated therewith. |
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Direct management to (a) undertake an intensive cost-benefit analysis
of (i) discontinuing product development on the Axxess and (ii)
redirecting the engineering effort to gateway products and hosted
services offerings, including the necessary billing platform for
hosted services, and (b) report the results of that analysis to the
Board. I believe these actions will produce significant cost savings
and provide significant sales opportunities. |
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Consolidate the Companys multiple engineering facilities into the
Chandler location. This will reduce overhead and improve productivity,
while encouraging new and better ways to speed up product development. |
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Explore the sale of the Companys Irish subsidiary, unless its
performance significantly improves within a set period of time. This
would enable management to concentrate on more profitable
opportunities, as well as raise additional cash to offset the costs of
the self tender offer. |
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7. |
|
Explore ways to better utilize the Companys 15 acre campus in Reno. |
|
|
8. |
|
Undertake an evaluation of the recommendations in the consulting
report that the Mihaylo/Vector Group provided to Inter-Tel as a result
of the Settlement Agreement executed in May 2006. |
|
|
9. |
|
Defer implementation of the proposed by-law amendments until the
foregoing issues are actively considered. |
12
I believe that these ideas will benefit all of the Companys
stockholders by significantly increasing earnings per share and
considerably reducing the friction between the current Board and me. If
these ideas are implemented by the Board, I believe that another proxy
contest could be averted, thus allowing the Board to focus on the
immediate task at hand, which is increasing stockholder value and
growing the strongest possible Company for all stockholders.
I look forward to working with the Board to implement my ideas in
a constructive manner beneficial to all stockholders, and am confident
that the public stockholders will see the value inherent in my
proposals. I can be reached at 602-738-9611 or by email at
stevemihaylo@yahoo.com to arrange a meeting. I look forward to
hearing from you soon, but in any event no later than 30 days from the
date hereof.
Sincerely,
/s/ Steven G. Mihaylo
Steven G. Mihaylo
|
cc: |
|
Joseph J. Giunta
Stephen Alexander |
On January 22, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo received a letter dated as of the same date
from Mr. Cappello and Norman Stout, Inter-Tels Chief Executive Officer (Mr.
Stout) (the Response Letter) expressing appreciation for the constructive
tone of Mr. Mihaylos January 19 Letter, and indicating that Mr. Cappello and
Mr. Stout would contact Mr. Mihaylo shortly to arrange a convenient time to
discuss the ideas raised in Mr. Mihaylos January 19 Letter, as well as some
other thoughts Mr. Cappello and Mr. Stout had. Mr. Cappello and Mr. Stout
also stated in the Response Letter that Mr. Mihaylos ideas were both
constructive and interesting. The text of the Response Letter follows:
January 22, 2007
Via Email and U.S. Mail
Steven G. Mihaylo
P.O. Box 19790
Reno, Nevada 89511
Dear Steve:
13
Thank you for your letter of January 19, 2007, which is being
circulated to the Board. We very much appreciate the constructive tone
of your letter and will contact you shortly to arrange a convenient
time to discuss the ideas raised in your letter, as well as some
thoughts we and others have.
The ideas set forth in your letter are both constructive and
interesting. Several are already the subject of management review and
we look forward to discussing them with you.
We and the rest of the Board, like you, are very much interested
in reducing friction, avoiding another proxy contest, and working
together with you to increase stockholder value for all.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Alexander L. Cappello
Alexander L. Cappello
Chairman of the Board
/s/ Norman Stout
Norman Stout
Chief Executive Officer
Following Mr. Mihaylos receipt of the Response Letter, representatives of
Mr. Mihaylo held discussions with representatives of the Inter-Tel Board in
an attempt to resolve the differences between Mr. Mihaylo and the Inter-Tel
Board and avoid a proxy contest. Mr. Mihaylo also had meetings with Mr. Stout
and Mr. Cappello for the same purpose. These discussions were unsuccessful.
On March 2, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and Vector terminated the Memorandum
and amended the overbid protection formula, which provision survived
termination of the Memorandum.
Also on March 2, 2007, in accordance with the advance notice provisions of
the Delaware By-laws, Mr. Mihaylo submitted to the Inter-Tel Board his
advance notices of director nominations and stockholder business to be
brought before the 2007 annual meeting of Inter-Tel stockholders (the 2007
Annual Meeting). In the notices, Mr. Mihaylo stated that he intended to
appear at the 2007 Annual Meeting in person or by proxy to, among other
things, (i) nominate a slate of five directors (Mr. Mihaylo, Mr. Urish, Dr.
Puri, Neal I.
14
Goldman and Michael R. Boyce) for election at the 2007 Annual Meeting, and
(ii) introduce at the 2007 Annual Meeting certain stockholder proposals
relating to Mr. Mihaylos Seven Point Plan (described below). In his advance
notice letters, Mr. Mihaylo indicated that if the Inter-Tel Board agreed to
reduce the size of the Inter-Tel Board from 11 to 7 members, he would agree
to remove two of his director nominees.
On March 7, 2007, the Company issued a press release in which Mr. Cappello
was quoted as saying We are particularly disappointed by Mr. Mihaylos
latest actions. As Mr. Mihaylo is aware, the Companys Board and management
team have in the ordinary course discussed and considered all of the topics
raised by Mr. Mihaylos proposed stockholder resolutions. The Board continues
to believe that the business matters referenced in those proposals are more
appropriately the subject of analysis and discussion by the management of the
Company and the Board. Importantly, as members of the Board since May of last
year, Mr. Mihaylo and his two designees have had ample opportunity to
participate in these discussions ... Our strong preference would have been
for Mr. Mihaylo to work constructively with the Board, rather than to wage
another costly and divisive proxy contest that could be highly disruptive and
distract management and the Board from their primary goal of enhancing
stockholder value. We would also note that Mr. Mihaylo had previously engaged
in a proxy contest with the intention of seeking support for his offer to
acquire the Company, which was defeated by stockholders other than Mr.
Mihaylo by approximately a two to one margin.
In response to the Companys March 7 press release, and to elaborate on his
reasons for waging a proxy contest, Mr. Mihaylo issued a press release on
March 13, 2007, which read, in part:
INTER-TEL FOUNDER AND FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO URGES COMPANY TO IMPLEMENT
SEVEN POINT PLAN TO MAXIMIZE STOCKHOLDER VALUE
Notifies the Company of Intention to Wage a
Proxy Contest at Annual Meeting
TEMPE, AZ March 13, 2007 Steven G. Mihaylo, the founder, former
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and largest stockholder of
Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (Nasdaq NM: INTL), in a letter
dated March 2, 2007, provided notice to the Company of his intent to
present a seven point plan to Inter-Tels stockholders designed to
maximize stockholder value.
Mr. Mihaylos seven point plan [(the Seven Point Plan)] calls for
seven resolutions to be voted on by stockholders at Inter-Tels annual
meeting. The plan focuses on three action groups to: (1) Streamline
Inter-Tels Board of Directors by reducing its size from 11 to seven
members and disbanding its Special Committee, thereby making the Board
more responsive, functional and less costly; (2) Repurchase, through a
Dutch Auction self tender offer, between $200 and $250 million of the
Companys common stock to boost earnings per share, return cash
currently on Inter-Tels balance sheet to stockholders and improve
Inter-Tels
balance sheet performance; and (3) Restructure costs and expenses to
further increase earnings per share.
15
In his March 2nd letter Mr. Mihaylo stated, I
continue to believe that the Board ... has failed to take steps that
will maximize value for the Companys stockholders. The letter
continued, While I hoped that following the Special Meeting of
Stockholders held in October ... the Board would focus on its
responsibility to maximize value for all stockholders, I believe that
the Companys current analysis of strategic alternatives has hit a
dead-end that will result in stagnancy for the Company, and
disappointment for ... its stockholders.
In a separate letter, also dated March 2nd , Mr.
Mihaylo provided notice to the Company of his intent to nominate a
slate of five directors (including himself) to Inter-Tels Board of
Directors if the size of the Board remains at 11 directors, or three
directors if the Board is reduced to seven members.
Commenting on his decision to wage another proxy contest, Mr. Mihaylo
stated I regret having to present my plan to increase stockholder
value to the Companys stockholders. I presented my plan in
substantially similar form to the Board in a letter dated January 19,
2007. In my opinion, the Board has been reluctant to seriously analyze
my proposals, and requires further guidance from stockholders. As the
Board is aware, I remain willing to engage in further negotiations to
settle this matter if and when the Board puts forth a written plan of
action, which provides similar or greater value to Inter-Tels
stockholders.
On March 20 and March 26, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo, Mr. Cappello and their
respective counsel held meetings in person to attempt to resolve the
differences between Mr. Mihaylo and the Company. These meetings were
unsuccessful.
On March 30, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo filed a preliminary proxy statement with
respect to the 2007 Annual Meeting relating to a number of proposals,
including the election of five directors nominated by Mr. Mihaylo and
proposals relating to Mr. Mihaylos Seven Point Plan.
On the morning of April 25, 2007, in his capacity as a member of the
Inter-Tel Board, Mr. Mihaylo was notified that the Special Committee had been
engaged in discussions with Mitel with respect to a proposed acquisition of
Inter-Tel by Mitel, and that if approved by the Special Committee, in his
capacity as a director of Inter-Tel, Mr. Mihaylo would be expected to vote on
the proposed Merger.
On the morning of April 26, 2007, the Special Committee recommended that the
Inter-Tel Board approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby. Following the Special Committee meeting, on the morning
of April 26, 2007, a meeting of the Inter-Tel Board was convened to discuss
the proposed merger
with Mitel. At that meeting, Mr. Mihaylo expressed his opposition to the
proposed merger to the Inter-Tel Board. Despite Mr. Mihaylos objections to
the proposed merger, the Inter-Tel Board
approved the Merger Agreement. Mr. Mihaylo voted against the Merger
Agreement, and Dr. Puri and Mr. Urish abstained from voting.
16
On May 11, 2007, the Company filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC
in connection with the Special Meeting and the proposals to adopt the Merger
Agreement, and to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting, if necessary or
appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes
in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting. In
its preliminary proxy statement, the Company stated that it intends to hold
the 2007 Annual Meeting only if the Merger is not completed.
On June 4, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo submitted a proposal (the Recapitalization
Proposal) for a leveraged recapitalization of the Company to the Inter-Tel
Board. In the Recapitalization Proposal, Mr. Mihaylo contends that the
Recapitalization Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal as such term is
defined in the Merger Agreement, and has asked the Inter-Tel Board to
acknowledge the Recapitalization Proposal as such. The full text of the
Recapitalization Proposal follows:
Steven G. Mihaylo
P.O. Box 19790
Reno, Nevada 89511
June 4, 2007
Via Email and Federal Express
Board of Directors
c/o Alexander Cappello
Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated
1615 South 52nd Street
Tempe, Arizona 85281
|
Re: |
|
Superior Proposal to Acquisition by Mitel Networks Corporation |
Dear Board Members:
As I expressed at the meeting of the Board of Directors (the
Board) of Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (Inter-Tel) on April
26, 2007, I do not believe the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as
of April 26, 2007, by and among Inter-Tel, Mitel Networks Corporation
(Mitel) and Arsenal Acquisition Corporation (the Merger Agreement)
represents the best path forward for the stockholders of Inter-Tel.
Given the Boards staunch opposition to the nonbinding resolution
urging the Board to arrange for the prompt sale of Inter-Tel to the
highest bidder which was put before the stockholders at the Special
Meeting in October 2006, I do not believe that the discreet sale
process that resulted in the Merger Agreement has yielded the highest
possible value available to stockholders.
17
Based on the analysis of my financial advisors, RBC Capital
Markets (RBC), and recent trading trends in Inter-Tels stock, I
believe that a recapitalization would create materially greater value
for Inter-Tels stockholders than the proposed transaction with Mitel.
I propose that Inter-Tel effect such a recapitalization by using $200
million from its cash reserves, borrowing an additional $200 million
and commencing a tender offer to purchase, after expenses and break-up
fees, approximately 13.4 million Inter-Tel shares at $28.00 per share. Using
managements 2008 EPS projection included in its proxy statement, if
Inter-Tel shares post tender offer were to trade at the same multiple
as they did pre merger-announcement, a post tender share price in
excess of $30 per share would be implied, and the transaction could
yield a blended value of approximately $29 per share.
I am currently in receipt of a highly confident letter from RBC
with respect to the financing of such a recapitalization, and we would
like to conduct confirmatory due diligence to enable us to provide a
firm proposal. RBC and I are prepared to meet with the Board and
management to go over the assumptions contained in our analysis and to
answer any questions you may have.
I believe the above proposed recapitalization provides far greater
value and flexibility to Inter-Tel stockholders than the proposed
Merger with Mitel and constitutes a Superior Proposal as such term is
described in the Merger Agreement. As the Special Meeting of
Stockholders to vote on the adoption of the Merger Agreement is only a
few weeks away, I respectfully request that the Board inform me by noon
(PDT) on June 11, 2007 whether it agrees that my proposal is, or is
reasonably likely to lead to, a Superior Proposal as such term is
defined in the Merger Agreement.
Sincerely,
/s/ Steve G. Mihaylo
Steven G. Mihaylo
|
cc: |
|
Joseph J. Giunta
Stephen Alexander |
Also on June 4, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo issued a press release announcing the
submission of the Recapitalization Proposal to the Inter-Tel Board and
containing a copy of a letter that Mr. Mihaylo mailed to Company stockholders
on the same date. The text of the press release read as follows:
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO SENDS LETTER URGING INTER-TEL STOCKHOLDERS TO REJECT
MITEL BUYOUT OFFER
18
Proposes Recapitalization Plan for Company that Could Yield Significantly Greater Value than
Current Buyout Offer
Recap Would Not Result in Change of Control of Inter-Tel or Cause it to Go Private
TEMPE, AZ June 4, 2007 Steven G. Mihaylo, former Chief Executive
Officer of Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (NasdaqNM: INTL) today
sent a letter urging Inter-Tel stockholders to vote against the Mitel
Networks Corporation (Mitel) buyout offer and outlining a plan to
recapitalize the Company which could provide significantly greater
value to stockholders than the current buyout proposal. At the same
time, the recapitalization plan would not result in a change of control
of the Company or a going private transaction.
Mr. Mihaylo said that in his view the inherent value of Inter-Tel is
much greater than the current proposed $25.60 per share acquisition by
Mitel and that his recapitalization plan has the potential to provide
stockholders with greater value. The recapitalization plan can be
financed by using a portion of Inter-Tels existing cash and borrowing
about $200 million at reasonable costs, according to an analysis
prepared by RBC Capital Markets, the financial advisor to Mr. Mihaylo.
I am not opposed to a sale of the Company, and if Mitel or another
bidder offers what I believe is a fair price I will gladly support it;
however, in the absence of that offer, I believe the Company has a
better alternative through a leveraged recapitalization, which I firmly
believe will provide greater
present value to all shareholders and will at the same time preserve
the opportunity for future growth and upside potential, including a
sale at a later date, he wrote to stockholders.
Details of the alternative recapitalization plan will be filed shortly
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Mihaylo told
stockholders.
Mr. Mihaylo resigned from Inter-Tel after 35 years as chief executive
in February, 2006. Mr. Mihaylo is the beneficial owner of 5,189,748
shares of Inter-Tel common stock, or about 19.0% of the common shares
outstanding. He is the Companys single largest stockholder.
A full text of the letter sent to stockholders today is attached below:
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
P.O. Box 19790
Reno, Nevada 89511
June 4, 2007
Dear Fellow Stockholder,
19
As the founder of Inter-Tel and its Chief Executive Officer for
over 35 years, I am proud to be associated with the Company and its
tremendous growth over that period of time. Despite the Companys
growth over those years, I was asked to resign as CEO in February of
last year. At that time, I lost confidence in management and their
ability to devise a reasonable strategic plan to continue that growth.
Because of this lack of confidence and the risk to my significant
financial stake in the Company, I submitted an offer to buy the Company
but made clear at the time that I would be fully prepared to support a
sale of the Company to the highest bidder if a true auction were held
where all bidders had an equal opportunity to participate. Both my
offer to buy the Company and the proposal to sell the Company to the
highest bidder were rejected by the Board.
I recently discovered that throughout my clashes with the Board
over the past 15 months, during which time the Board staunchly refused
to conduct a public sale process, the Board was in fact quietly
pursuing potential sale transactions without my knowledge or
participation. I have spent significant amounts of my personal assets
to communicate directly with you about the direction that I believe the
Company should take, yet despite these efforts and my clear interest in
pursuing a sale, the Company accepted a proposal that I believe does
not reflect the intrinsic value of the Company.
To test this view, I asked my financial advisors to analyze
alternative transactions and assess whether higher value could be
achieved without changing control of the Company or taking it private .
Based on their analysis and recent trading trends in our stock, I
believe the Company could undertake a leveraged recapitalization which
would yield significantly greater present value than the current offer
even after paying the termination fee now required under the current
buyout proposal. Based upon discussions with my financial advisors, I
am confident that the recapitalization I envision can be financed using
some of the Companys existing excess cash and approximately $200
million of additional borrowing at reasonable cost.
Today I formally asked the Board of Directors to consider this
alternative in lieu of the Mitel buyout offer to be voted on by
shareholders later this month. I am hopeful that they will thoroughly
evaluate my value-maximization proposal, and I will advise you promptly
of their reply. The details of my alternative recapitalization proposal
will be filed with the SEC shortly.
I believe the inherent value of the Company is significantly greater than the current offer, and
therefore intend to vote NO on the Mitel buyout proposal and urge you to do the same.
We have worked too hard to see the Company sold for what I believe
is less than its true value. I am not opposed to a sale of the Company,
and if Mitel or another bidder offers what I believe is a fair price I
will gladly support it; however,
20
in the absence of that offer, I believe the Company has a better
alternative through a leveraged recapitalization, which I firmly
believe will provide greater present value to all shareholders and will
at the same time preserve the opportunity for future growth and upside
potential, including a possible sale at a later date.
Thank you for considering this matter.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Steven G. Mihaylo
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
Mr. Mihaylo intends to send you proxy materials shortly. Once
you receive Mr. Mihaylos proxy material, you can vote AGAINST
the merger on the proxy card furnished by Mr. Mihaylo. Until then,
Mr. Mihaylo urges you to oppose the merger. You can do so either by
simply not returning the Companys proxy card since a failure to vote
has the same effect as a vote against the merger or by voting
AGAINST the Merger on the Companys proxy card.
If you have any questions, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc.,
the firm assisting Mr. Mihaylo in the solicitation of proxies:
MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
TOLL FREE: (800) 322-2885
or
CALL COLLECT: (212) 929-5500
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
Participant Legend
Steven G. Mihaylo (Mr. Mihaylo) plans to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and mail to stockholders of
Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (Inter-Tel), a proxy statement in
connection with his opposition to the adoption of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of April 26, 2007, by and among Inter-Tel,
Mitel Networks Corporation and Arsenal Acquisition Corporation to be
voted on by stockholders at a Special Meeting of Inter-Tel stockholders
to be held on June 29, 2007 (the Special Meeting). MR. MIHAYLO
STRONGLY ADVISES ALL INTER-TEL STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT
WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROXY SOLICITATION.
SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, WHEN FILED, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WILL
BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SECS WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV.
21
Participant Information
Mr. Mihaylo, Summit Growth Management LLC (Summit) and the
Steven G. Mihaylo Trust (the Trust) are participants in the
solicitation of proxies by Mr. Mihaylo from stockholders of Inter-Tel
in connection with the Special Meeting. Mr. Mihaylo intends to solicit
proxies from the stockholders of Inter-Tel to vote against the adoption
of the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting.
Mr. Mihaylo is the founder and former Chairman of the Board and
former Chief Executive Officer of Inter-Tel. Mr. Mihaylo is the sole
member and managing member of Summit, an entity through which he makes
investments. Mr. Mihaylo is the sole trustee of the Trust.
As of June 4, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo is the beneficial owner of
5,189,748 shares of Inter-Tel common stock, or approximately 19.0% of
the shares of common stock outstanding. Of these 5,189,748 shares, Mr.
Mihaylo (i) is the holder of record of 1,498 shares of Inter-Tel common
stock, (ii) is the holder of record of options to acquire 7,500 shares
of Inter-Tel common stock which became exercisable on November 12,
2006, (iii) is the holder of record of options to acquire 2,750 shares
of Inter-Tel common stock which became exercisable on December 7, 2006
and (iv) may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 5,178,000
shares of Inter-Tel common stock held by the Trust because Mr. Mihaylo
is the sole trustee of the Trust.
On June 12, 2007, the Company issued a press release in which it stated: The Special Committee of
your Board of Directors has met and, after considering the advice of its legal and financial
advisors, unanimously determined (with one member absent) that the recapitalization strategy
proposed by Steven G. Mihaylo is not reasonably likely to lead to a transaction that is more
favorable to Inter-Tel stockholders than the Mitel merger. The recapitalization proposal would,
therefore, not be reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal as that term is defined in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 26, 2007, among Inter-Tel, Mitel Networks
Corporation and Mitels wholly-owned acquisition subsidiary. The press release went on to list
the various reasons for the Special Committees conclusion that the Recapitalization Proposal was
not likely to lead to a superior proposal.
In response to the Companys press release, on June 14, 2007 Mr. Mihaylo issued the following press
release, which included a letter that Mr. Mihaylo had sent to stockholders on the same day.
Steven G. Mihaylo Disputes Inter-Tels Characterization of His Proposed
Recapitalization Plan
Shareholders Should Reject the Mitel Merger and Have the Choice to Either Cash Out at
a Premium or Participate in Companys Future Growth Potential
Mihaylo Willing to Bet on Inter-Tels Future Success
TEMPE, AZ, June 14, 2007 Unlike Steven G. Mihaylo, founder and 19% stakeholder in
Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (NasdaqNM: INTL), Company management may lack incentive
to maximize shareholder value given their collective ownership of less than 1% of the
Company, instead opting for immediate gratification by accepting the $25.60 Mitel buyout
offer.
In a letter sent to stockholders today, Mr. Mihaylo pointed out that the Company has not
provided financial analysis disputing the economics of his recapitalization proposal. The
letter criticized Inter-Tels advisers for mischaracterizing the impact his recapitalization
plan would have on the Company and impugning his motives and urged shareholders to vote
against the merger.
The full text of the letter follows:
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
P.O. Box 19790
Reno, Nevada 89511
June 14, 2007
Dear Fellow Inter-Tel Shareholder,
22
I am writing in response to the letter you received earlier this week from Alexander
Cappello on behalf of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Inter-Tel. I
firmly believe Mr. Cappello has not only mischaracterized the financial impact of my
recapitalization proposal, but also my motives for encouraging you to vote AGAINST the Mitel
merger.
My goal in asking you to vote AGAINST the merger is not, as the Company suggested in
its letter, to gain a dominant share ownership position or to gain a veto right on any
future sale of Inter-Tel. As the owner of approximately 19.0% of the presently outstanding
common stock of Inter-Tel and as a member of the Board of Directors, my goal is to pursue
the highest possible value for all shareholders at reasonable levels of risk. Given that
the rest of the Board and management collectively own less than 1% of the outstanding
shares, it is understandable that they might find it easier to sell the Company at a
discount rather than running a true auction process or undergoing a recapitalization and
building on the Companys many strengths. However, as the Companys founder and largest
shareholder, I am confident that my recapitalization proposal will provide significant
present value to shareholders and simultaneously position the Company for substantial growth
and a possible future sale.
While Mr. Cappello argues that my recapitalization proposal relied on publicly
disclosed Inter-Tel projections, which in turn rely on assumptions that may not be
applicable as a result of the recapitalization, the Company has not provided any analysis
as to how the projections could or would change pursuant to the proposed recapitalization.
The recapitalization should not result in a change to the Companys business operations, so
the notion that the estimated business fundamentals going forward somehow become unreliable
is a mystery to me.
I think it is also crucial to note that, via a letter from Company counsel to my
attorney, the Company acknowledged that the fiscal year 2008 forward numbers ... have not
been updated since the June 2006 strategic plan, a startling assertion since they are
contained in the Companys proxy in support of the proposed merger. Moreover, a follow up
email acknowledged that the only projections provided to and used by the Companys financial
advisors in issuing its fairness opinion are those contained in the Companys proxy. Given
this, I encourage you to question the reliability of a fairness opinion based on what the
Company acknowledges are dated projections, and in light of the lack of projections
containing the assumptions insisted on by the Company, whether such fairness opinion could
possibly have factored in the value that can be achieved through a recapitalization. The
bottom line is that the Company cannot have it both ways: either the projections are
accurate, and both we and the Companys financial advisors can rely on them OR they are
outdated and the fairness opinion upon which the Company is relying to recommend that you
support the Mitel transaction does not properly value the future potential of the Company.
As to certain specific allegations raised in Mr. Cappellos letter:
23
The Company Contends: there is a significant risk that the recapitalization would result in
less overall value for stockholders. The facts are:
|
|
Under my proposal, 60.6% of the shares presently outstanding could be purchased at $28
per share assuming that I do not tender any shares. For tendering shareholders to lose
money compared to the Mitel proposal, Inter-Tel stock would have to trade after the tender
below $21.91 per share, well below the pre merger-announcement trading price of $23.79. |
|
|
If I tender a pro rata portion of my shares (to alleviate concerns of my increased
influence), 49.1% of all shares presently outstanding could be purchased at $28 per share
and the remaining shares would have to trade below $23.29 per share for shareholders to
lose money, still below the pre merger-announcement trading price. |
The Company Contends: I will have a dominant stock ownership position with the ability to
personally elect a large percentage of the Inter-Tel Board and a potential veto right on any
future sale of Inter-Tel. The facts are:
|
|
As the Companys largest shareholder I already have the right under cumulative voting to
elect a minority of the Board and have no incentive but to maximize value for myself and
all other shareholders, as required by my fiduciary duties as a director. |
|
|
Furthermore, if the Board agrees to implement my recapitalization proposal, I am willing
to negotiate with them to neutralize any incremental voting power I obtain as a result of
not tendering into the recapitalization for purposes of voting on any future sale of the
Company. |
The Company Contends: the recapitalization is subject to a number of conditions and
contingencies, including significant asset sales. The facts are:
|
|
As the Company knows well, existing cash flow and a modest line of credit should be more
than sufficient to cover any working capital needs. Asset sales are not required to
implement the recapitalization and would only be effected if necessary or desirable to
lower the cost of the recapitalization and in any event, should not require a fire sale as
alleged by the Company. |
The Company Contends: the recapitalization would likely result in Inter-Tel becoming a
micro-cap stock. The facts are:
|
|
While the Company does not provide its definition of micro-cap, the fact is Inter-Tel
post-recapitalization would have a market value of over $330 million (assuming the pre
merger-announcement trading price of $23.79 and calculated off of the remaining common
stock presently outstanding) and even if my shares were not counted and not tendered, the
public float would exceed $207 million. Regardless of which figure is used, these market
cap figures are far above NASDAQ requirements. |
24
The Company Contends: the Companys publicly disclosed projections should not be relied upon
because they in turn rely on assumptions that may not be applicable as a result of the
recapitalization, including, among other things, that Inter-Tel would have significant cash
reserves and no debt, that the Company would not sell its assets at a discount to raise cash
in the near term and the Company would not continue to be disrupted by questions as to
ownership and control of the Company. The facts are:
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The Company has acknowledged that both UBS and Mitel relied on the projections included
in the proxy statement, yet when utilizing these same projections to analyze the value of a
recapitalization alternative my financial advisors and I were instructed that they should
not be relied upon. |
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It is hard to understand how leveraging the Company and using excess cash to enhance
shareholder value will affect the Companys projections, other than debt service, the
effect of which is included in the pro forma analysis prepared by my financial advisors. |
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As stated above, there is no need to sell any assets at a discount or even to sell
assets at all since other financing sources (such as a modest revolving line of credit)
should be readily attainable should the need arise. |
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The Company has provided no support for its argument that asset sales will reduce EBITDA
by $10 million. |
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As I already own almost 20% of the Company and given that I am willing to neutralize any
incremental voting power I would acquire if I do not tender my shares on the terms
described above, it is hard to understand how my continued ownership would affect the
Companys projections. |
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The $20 million termination fee payable to Mitel if the recapitalization is implemented
was already factored into the financial analysis prepared by my financial advisors. |
* * *
I have consistently urged the Company to undertake a process to sell the
Company to the highest bidder. Contrary to my recommendation, the Board has aggressively
argued against such a process while quietly pursuing a sale to a selected bidder without
providing me or other potentially interested parties the opportunity to participate
before obligating the Company and subjecting any other potentially interested party
to a $20 million disadvantage.
My interest is the same as yours to maximize the value of my investment and yours,
and as an almost 20% shareholder I have the most at stake. If I believed the Mitel merger
is the best alternative available for Inter-Tel, I would gladly support it, but I remain
convinced that a recapitalization will provide greater present value to all shareholders
while at the same time preserving the opportunity for future growth and upside potential,
including a possible sale at a later date.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Very Truly Yours,
/s/ Steven G. Mihaylo
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
25
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ADOPTION OF MERGER AGREEMENT
You are being asked by Inter-Tel to adopt the Merger Agreement. For the
reasons discussed below, Mr. Mihaylo opposes the proposed Merger and Merger
Agreement. To that end, Mr. Mihaylo is soliciting your proxy to vote AGAINST
Proposal No. 1.
Mr. Mihaylo urges you to demonstrate your opposition to the proposed Merger
and to send a message to the Inter-Tel Board that the proposed Merger is not
in the best interest of Inter-Tel stockholders by signing, dating and
returning the enclosed GREEN proxy card as soon as possible.
REASONS TO VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSED MERGER
Mr. Mihaylo does not oppose a sale of the Company; however, he does not
believe that the consideration provided for stockholders by the Merger
Agreement reflects the intrinsic value of Inter-Tel. As is evidenced by the
proxy contest he waged at the 2006 Special Meeting, Mr. Mihaylo is fully
supportive of a sale of the Company to the highest bidder following a true
auction of the Company where all bidders have an equal opportunity to
participate. Given the Companys firm opposition to the Sell the Company
Resolution at the 2006 Special Meeting held in October 2006, Mr. Mihaylo does
not believe that the sale process conducted by the Inter-Tel Board which
resulted in the Merger Agreement was likely to yield, nor has it yielded, the
maximum value available to Inter-Tel stockholders.
Based on the analysis of Mr. Mihaylos financial advisors, RBC, and recent
trading trends in Inter-Tels stock, Mr. Mihaylo believes that a
recapitalization could create materially greater value for Inter-Tels
stockholders than the proposed transaction with Mitel. Mr. Mihaylo believes
that such a recapitalization could be accomplished by using $200 million from
Inter-Tels cash reserves, borrowing an additional $200 million and
commencing a tender offer to purchase, after expenses and break-up fees,
approximately 13.4 million Inter-Tel shares at $28.00 per share. Using
managements 2008 EPS projection included in Inter-Tels proxy statement, if
Inter-Tel shares post tender offer were to trade at the same multiple as they
did pre Merger-announcement, a post tender share price in excess of $30 per
share would be implied, and the transaction could yield a blended value of
approximately $29 per share. There can be no assurance that the post tender
offer share price will trade at or above this value or that the blended value
cited above will be achieved.
Mr. Mihaylo only intends to tender his shares in the proposed recapitalization if the tender offer
is undersubscribed or if the Board requests that he do so in order to reduce his post-tender
percentage ownership in the Company. If Mr. Mihaylo does not tender his shares in the
recapitalization, stockholders will be able to sell approximately 60% of their shares of Common
Stock. Furthermore, if Mr. Mihaylo does not tender his shares in the recapitalization, based on
the number of shares outstanding on the Record Date, post recapitalization Mr. Mihaylo would hold
approximately 37.3% of the voting securities of the Company. However, if the current Board
agrees to implement the Recapitalization Proposal, Mr. Mihaylo has indicated his
willingness to negotiate with the Board to neutralize any incremental voting power he may obtain as
a result of not tendering into the recapitalization for purposes of voting on any future sale of
the Company.
To the extent that additional operating cash is necessary to run Inter-Tels
business following the recapitalization Mr. Mihaylo proposes
drawing upon the proposed revolving credit facility pursuant to the
financing commitments discussed below until such time as the Companys cash flow
is sufficient to cover operating costs.
In connection with the debt portion of the financing of the recapitalization, Mr. Mihaylo, as
a director of the Company, has received an aggregate debt financing commitment of $255.0 million (the
Debt Financing Commitment) from The Royal Bank of Canada (Royal Bank), pursuant to which Royal
Bank has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Debt Financing Commitment, as
further specified in the debt commitment letter provided to Mr. Mihaylo. Proceeds of the Debt
Financing Commitment will be used to finance a portion of the proposed recapitalization. The Debt
Financing Commitment consists of up to $255.0 million in senior secured credit facilities (Credit
Facilities), comprised of:
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a new secured first-lien term loan facility of up to $125.0 million; |
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a new revolving credit facility of $30.0 million; and |
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a new second-lien term loan facility of up to $100.0 million. |
26
The availability of the Debt Financing Commitment is subject to the satisfaction of various
conditions contained in the debt financing commitment letter delivered to Mr. Mihaylo from Royal
Bank. These conditions are in general customary for recapitalization financings with a cash
reserve contribution and levered debt components. There can be no assurance that all of the
conditions to the Debt Financing Commitment will be met or that Inter-Tel would be able to obtain
alternative financing in the event conditions precedent to the funding of the Debt Financing
Commitment are not met as required under the debt financing commitment letter.
All borrowings under the Debt Financing Commitment will be made available to Inter-Tel
simultaneously with the effectiveness of the proposed recapitalization, except that borrowings
under the revolving credit facility shall only be available for ongoing working capital needs and
general corporate purposes of Inter-Tel and not to fund the recapitalization or the fees or
expenses incurred by Inter-Tel in connection with consummating the recapitalization. The borrower
under the Credit Facilities shall be Inter-Tel (in such capacity,
Borrower). RBC will be the sole lead arranger, sole book
runner and syndication agent for the Credit Facilities and Royal Bank will act as administrative
agent for the Credit Facilities. Any commitment under the Credit Facilities not required to
finance the recapitalization will terminate on the date of the consummation of the
recapitalization. RBCs commitment with respect to the Debt Financing Commitment will terminate
on September 15, 2007, unless on or prior to such date the recapitalization has been consummated
and a definitive credit agreement and all related documentation evidencing the Credit Facilities
shall have been entered into and initial borrowings made.
The availability of the Debt Financing Commitment is subject to, among other things, satisfaction
of the following conditions:
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after giving effect to the closing of the recapitalization, Inter-Tel and its
subsidiaries shall have no outstanding preferred equity, indebtedness or contingent
liabilities other than: |
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loans under the Credit Facilities; |
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obligations pursuant to the existing lease purchase agreements of the
Company; and |
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certain other limited indebtedness or disclosed contingent liabilities
to be agreed upon; |
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lenders shall have received certain information required by the Patriot Act; |
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lenders shall have a perfected security interest in assets of the Borrower; |
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Borrower under Credit Facilities shall have delivered to Royal Bank certain financial
statements and evidence of satisfaction of certain financial covenants, including, without
limitation: |
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Audited consolidated financial statements of Inter-Tel for the 2004,
2005 and 2006 fiscal years; |
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Audited consolidated financial statements of Inter-Tel for each quarter
ending after its most recent fiscal year and at least 45 days prior to the Closing
Date; and |
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Evidence that Inter-Tels adjusted EBITDA for the twelve
consecutive months ending on (i) June 30, 2007 and (ii) the last day of each
subsequent fiscal month ended at least 30 days prior to the Closing Date, is equal
to or exceeds $50.0 million, including add-backs for extraordinary expenses and
non-cash stock-based compensation agreed to by RBC; |
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after giving effect to the recapitalization, Borrower shall have cash on hand of at
least $20.0 million; |
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after giving effect to the recapitalization, Mr. Mihaylo will be the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Borrower and beneficial owner of at least 25% of the voting and
economic interests of the borrower; and |
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other customary conditions for leveraged recapitalization financings. |
If any of the material conditions to the funding of any of the facilities comprising the Debt
Financing Commitment are not satisfied, Mr. Mihaylo would not expect Royal Bank to waive such
conditions and provide the Debt Financing Commitment.
Stockholders are advised that unlike the Merger, not all stockholders will receive the offered cash
consideration pursuant to the proposed recapitalization for all of the shares of Common Stock they
hold, and, assuming proration, the cash consideration received by a tendering stockholder may not
exceed the cash consideration that such stockholder would receive in the Merger, pursuant to which
all of such stockholders shares would be acquired.
Stockholders are further advised that the Company is expected to incur approximately $200 million
of indebtedness, and perhaps more, in connection with the proposed recapitalization. This
indebtedness, and the limitations imposed on the Company by its debt agreements, could have adverse
consequences, including the following: the Companys cash flow may be insufficient to meet its
required principal and interest payments; the Company may be unable to borrow additional funds as
needed or on favorable terms, which could, among other things, adversely affect the Companys
ability to capitalize upon emerging acquisition opportunities or meet operational needs; the
Company may be unable to refinance its indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be
less favorable than the terms of the original indebtedness; and the Company may violate restrictive
covenants in its loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate the Companys debt
obligations.
27
Financial Analysis of RBC Capital Markets
A description of the material financial analyses performed by RBC, at the
request of Mr. Mihaylo, in regards to a leveraged recapitalization by the
Company, in lieu of the proposed Merger with Mitel, is set forth below. The
following summary does not purport to be a complete description of all the
financial analyses undertaken by RBC.
In connection with its analyses, RBC was instructed by Mr. Mihaylo to assume
the following:
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the Company would make a tender offer for 13.4 million of the Companys shares
at a price of $28.00 per share for an aggregate repurchase price of $375 million; |
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the closing of such tender offer would occur in September 2007; |
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the Companys proposed Merger with Mitel would be terminated and the Company
would pay Mitel a $20 million termination fee pursuant to the Merger Agreement; |
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the leveraged recapitalization transaction, payment of the termination fee to
Mitel and related transaction expenses (including the cost of debt financing) would
be funded with: |
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$200 million of cash
and short-term
securities from the
Companys balance sheet
(without a
recapitalization, the
Company would have an
assumed average 2008
cash balance of $242
million earning annual
interest of
approximately 3.1%);
and |
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$200 million funded by
new long-term debt
raised by the Company
subject to an annual
interest rate of
approximately 7.86%
(LIBOR + 250bps); and |
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following the recapitalization, the shares of the Company would trade at a
price/earnings multiple of 16.5x, which is equal to the price/earnings multiple at
which the Company shares traded on April 26, 2007 (the trading day prior to the
announcement date of the proposed Merger with Mitel), based upon the financial
projections included in the definitive proxy statement of the Company filed on May
29, 2007 (such projections, the Proxy Projections, and such proxy statement,
Managements Proxy Statement). |
28
Based on these assumptions, RBC adjusted the Proxy Projections for the
effects of the proposed recapitalization as follows:
(Figures in Millions, except per share data)
2008 Projections per Inter-Tel Proxy
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Operating Income |
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$ |
56.0 |
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Total Other
Income/(Expenses) |
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$ |
7.5 |
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Income Before Taxes |
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$ |
63.5 |
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Income Taxes |
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($22.9 |
) |
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Net Income |
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$ |
40.6 |
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Diluted Shares
Outstanding |
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28.2 |
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EPS Diluted
(Non-GAAP) |
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$ |
1.44 |
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2008 Projections Post-Recapitalization
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Operating Income |
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$ |
56.0 |
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Total Other
Income/(Expenses) |
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($13.3 |
) |
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Income Before Taxes |
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$ |
42.7 |
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Income Taxes |
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($15.4 |
) |
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Net Income |
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$ |
27.3 |
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Diluted Shares
Outstanding |
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14.8 |
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EPS Diluted
(Non-GAAP) |
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$ |
1.84 |
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Stock Price Analysis
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Pro Forma Diluted EPS |
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$ |
1.84 |
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Assumed 2008E P/E
Post-Buyback |
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16.5x |
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Pro Forma Stock Price |
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$ |
30.46 |
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The table above compares the Proxy Projections to the pro forma financials
following the proposed recapitalization based upon the assumptions set forth
above (the Post-Recap Projections). The operating income of the Company
under both sets of projections is equal to $56.0 million. Under the Proxy
Projections, total other income of $7.5 million is assumed to be interest
income, which implies a cash interest income rate of 3.1% based on $242
million of average cash outstanding. Assuming an income tax rate of 36%, the
Companys net income under the Proxy Projections equals $40.6 million or
$1.44 per share on a fully diluted basis, based upon 28.2 fully diluted
shares outstanding. Under the Post-Recap Projections, total other expense of
$13.3 million is calculated by multiplying a projected average pro forma cash
and equivalents balance of $19.7 million by the implied cash interest rate of
3.1% and subtracting the product of the $177.2 million in pro forma long-term
debt (the average projected pro forma long term debt balance for 2008) and
assumed annual interest rate of 7.86%. Assuming an income tax rate of 36%,
the Companys pro forma net income under the Post-Recap Projections equals
$27.3 million, or $1.84 per share on a fully diluted basis, based upon 14.8
million fully diluted shares outstanding.
By applying the assumed 16.5x price/earnings multiple, RBC calculated the
price at which the shares should trade after the leveraged recapitalization
to be $30.46 per share. RBC further determined the weighted average per share
value of the proposed recapitalization by adding the aggregate value of the
shares following the recapitalization ($30.46 per share multiplied by 13.6
million basic shares outstanding following the tender offer) and the
aggregate value of the shares to be acquired as part of the leveraged
recapitalization ($28.00 per share multiplied by 13.4 million shares) and
dividing that sum by the 27.0 million total basic shares outstanding as of
April 26, 2007, to reach the weighted-average per share value of the
recapitalization of $29.24.
29
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Shares (mm) |
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Price/Share |
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Shares Tendered in Recapitalization |
|
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13.4 |
|
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$ |
28.00 |
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Pro Forma Basic Shares Outstanding |
|
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13.6 |
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$ |
30.46 |
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Weighted Average Value for All Basic Shares |
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27.0 |
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$ |
29.24 |
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In addition, RBC compared the Companys price/earnings multiple of 16.5x used
for purposes of the foregoing analysis with price/earnings multiples at which
the Company shares traded relative to the consensus equity analysis earnings
estimates as reported by FactSet for April 26, 2007 and the average daily
price/earnings multiples over the one year and the two year periods ending on
April 26, 2007, as summarized in the table below:
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|
|
|
|
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P/E Multiple |
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|
|
|
|
|
Spot Price/Earnings Multiple on 4/26/07 |
|
|
18.3x |
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|
Average Daily Price/Earnings Multiple for 12 Months ending 4/26/07 |
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18.6x |
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|
Average Daily Price/Earnings Multiple for 24 Months ending 4/26/07 |
|
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17.9x |
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Source: FactSet
RBC noted that all three price/earnings metrics were higher than the 16.5x
used for the purposes of the foregoing analysis. The difference in the spot
price/earnings multiple on April 26, 2007 was due to RBC calculating the
price/earnings multiple based upon the Proxy Projections and FactSet
calculating the price/earnings multiples based upon consensus street
estimates. RBC observed that the Spot Price/Earnings Multiple on April 26,
2007 fell within the range provided by the daily average price/earnings
multiples over the preceding 12 month and 24 month periods.
As stated above, Mr. Mihaylo assumes that $200 million in cash and short-term securities from the
Companys balance sheet would be available to finance the recapitalization based upon research
analysts average projected cash balance at September 30, 2007 as well as the average projected cash balance for 2008. To the extent
additional operating cash would be necessary to run Inter-Tels business following the
recapitalization, Mr. Mihaylo proposes drawing upon the proposed $30 million revolving credit
facility available pursuant to the Debt Financing Commitment until such time as the Companys cash
flow is sufficient to cover operating costs.
In its Form DEFA14A filing on June 15, 2007, Inter-Tel challenged the assumption that $200 million
would be available for a leveraged recapitalization and instead suggested that only $177 million
would be available according to Inter-Tels forecasts and working capital assumptions.
RBC performed a sensitivity analysis to measure how using less cash and more or less debt (up to
the $225.0 million available to finance the recapitalization pursuant to the Debt Financing
Commitment) impacted the projected blended share price assuming a $28.00 recapitalization price and
a price/earnings multiple of 16.5x applied to the Proxy Projections. Assuming that the Company used $175
million in cash and $225 million in debt as the $400 million in total sources of funds compared to $200
million in cash and $200 million in debt under Mr. Mihaylos proposal, the blended share price
would decrease $0.44 from $29.24 to $28.80, still higher than the $25.60 Mitel offer price.
The above summary includes information presented in tabular format. In order
to more fully understand the financial analyses used by RBC, the tables must
be read together with the full text of each summary as well as the
presentation filed by Mr. Mihaylo with the SEC on June 8, 2007 on form
DFAN14A. The tables alone are not a complete description of
RBCs financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the quantitative
information included and reflected in RBCs analyses, to the extent based on
market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before
June 11, 2007 or on the
information included in Managements Proxy
Statements, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.
RBC prepared these analyses at the request of Mr. Mihaylo and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, accounting and other
information discussed with or reviewed by it and assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of performing its analyses. In that respect, RBC
relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information included in
Managements Proxy Statement, including the financial projections included
therein. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily
indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by these analyses. None of Mr. Mihaylo or RBC or
their respective affiliates, employees or representatives assumes
responsibility if future results are materially different from those
presented in these analyses.
30
Pursuant to a letter agreement, dated March 3, 2006, as amended as of March
19, 2007 and June 1, 2007, between Summit and RBC (the RBC Agreement), RBC
has received a non-refundable cash retainer fee, and is entitled to receive
(i) an agreed upon transaction fee in the event that Mr. Mihaylo consummates,
during the term of the RBC Agreement or during the 12 months following the
term, a Transaction pursuant to a definitive agreement, letter of intent or
other evidence of a commitment entered into between Mr. Mihaylo and the
Company, or by means of a tender offer to the stockholders of the Company
initiated by Mr. Mihaylo, (ii) an agreed upon topping fee in the event that a
Third Party Transaction (as defined below) is consummated during the term of
the RBC Agreement or during the 12 months following the term and such Third
Party Transaction is subsequent to any offer (whether written or oral) made
by Mr. Mihaylo to the Company relating to a Transaction, (iii) an agreed upon
success fee in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated under
certain circumstances creditable against the above referenced transaction fee
or topping fee, and (iv) an agreed upon contingent topping fee in the event
that Mr. Mihaylo or his affiliates exercise appraisal rights under Delaware
law in respect to a Third Party Transaction and recover an amount that is
greater than the price per share at which such Third Party Transaction was
consummated. On June 14, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector submitted an offer to
the Company for purposes of clause (ii) above. Third Party Transaction
means any transaction or series or combination of related transactions,
whereby directly or indirectly, a majority of the capital stock of the
Company is, or assets representing a majority of the assets of the Company
are, transferred to a person not affiliated with Mr. Mihaylo or the Company
for consideration, including, without limitation, a sale or exchange of
capital stock or assets, a merger, plan of exchange or consolidation, the
formation of a joint venture, a minority investment or partnership, or any
similar transaction. RBC has been reimbursed for a portion of its reasonable
out of pocket expenses in performing the services under the RBC Agreement,
and will be reimbursed for a reasonable portion of its additional out of
pocket expenses up to an agreed upon dollar amount. RBC
(together with its affiliates) is a global, full service securities firm
engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, and providing
investment banking, investment management, financial and financial advisory
services.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN OR POSTPONE THE SPECIAL MEETING TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES
You are being asked by Inter-Tel to approve a proposal to adjourn or postpone
the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting. For the reasons discussed above, Mr.
Mihaylo opposes the proposed Merger. To that end, Mr. Mihaylo is soliciting
your proxy to vote AGAINST Proposal No. 2.
Mr. Mihaylo urges you to vote AGAINST Inter-Tels proposal to adjourn or
postpone the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of
the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting.
31
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Acquisition Sub will be merged with and
into Inter-Tel, and Inter-Tel will survive the Merger as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Mitel. If the Merger is completed, at the effective time of the
Merger, each share of Common Stock will be converted into the right to
receive $25.60 in cash, without interest (the Merger Consideration). After
the Merger is completed, Inter-Tel stockholders will have the right to
receive the Merger Consideration but will no longer have any rights as
Inter-Tel stockholders, except to the extent a stockholder has dissented from
adoption of the Merger Agreement and asserted rights to an appraisal of the
fair value of such stockholders shares under the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware. See Appraisal Rights on page 49 of Managements
Proxy Statement. Mr. Mihaylo reserves all rights with respect to the Merger
Agreement, including his right to exercise appraisal rights under Delaware
law.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement is not complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger
Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to Managements Proxy
Statement.
CONSEQUENCES OF DEFEATING THE PROPOSED MERGER
Inter-Tel will be required to pay Mitel a fee of $20,000,000 (the
Termination Fee) if (i) the Merger Agreement is terminated as a result of
the failure to obtain the requisite vote of the Companys stockholders, (ii)
prior to such termination an acquisition proposal (as that term is defined in
the Merger Agreement) has been publicly announced and not withdrawn and (iii)
within 12 months following the date of such termination, Inter-Tel enters
into a definitive agreement with respect to, or consummates, an alternative
transaction (as that term is defined in the Merger Agreement). In addition,
provided that Inter-Tel has complied in all material respects with all of its
no shop obligations, in the event that Inter-Tel terminates the Merger
Agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a
superior proposal (as that term is defined in the Merger Agreement),
Inter-Tel will be required to pay Mitel the Termination Fee. Inter-Tel would
also be required to pay the Termination Fee if the Merger Agreement is
terminated because (i) the Merger has not been consummated on or before
September 30, 2007, (ii) prior to such termination an acquisition proposal
(as that term is defined in the Merger Agreement) has been publicly announced
and not withdrawn and (iii) within 12 months following the date of such
termination, Inter-Tel enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or
consummates, an alternative transaction (as that term is defined in the
Merger Agreement). Mr. Mihaylo believes that the Recapitalization Proposal
constitutes an acquisition proposal and has asked the Inter-Tel Board to
identify it as a superior proposal.
In the event the Merger is defeated and the Inter-Tel Board declines to
implement the Recapitalization Proposal or provide a financially superior
alternative, Mr. Mihaylo intends to nominate directors for a majority of the
seats on the Inter-Tel Board at Inter-Tels next meeting of stockholders at
which directors are to be elected who Mr. Mihaylo believes will take all
necessary steps to consider all options to maximize stockholder value,
including considering a leveraged recapitalization of Inter-Tel. As a
32
stockholder, Mr. Mihaylo will have the right to compel the Inter-Tel Board to
call the 2007 Annual Meeting as, within a few days of the Special Meeting,
more than 13 months will have passed since the 2006 Annual Meeting. However,
there can be no assurance that if the Merger is defeated that an alternative
transaction will be presented to the stockholders in the future and, even if
an alternative transaction is presented to the stockholders, that it will be
for consideration equal to or in excess of the consideration to be paid in
the Merger. In addition, if Inter-Tel continues as an independent public
company, there can be no assurance that its share price will remain at or
exceed recent trading levels.
VOTING PROCEDURES
Only stockholders of record on the record date will be entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Special Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to
one vote. Stockholders who sell shares of Common Stock before the record date
(or acquire them without voting rights after the record date) may not vote
such shares. Stockholders of record on the record date will retain their
voting rights in connection with the Special Meeting even if they sell such
shares after the record date.
Shares represented by a properly executed GREEN proxy card will be voted at
the Special Meeting as marked and, in the absence of specific instructions,
will be voted AGAINST the proposed Merger and AGAINST the proposal to adjourn
or postpone the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of
the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting, and, in the discretion of the
persons named as proxies, on all other matters as may properly come before
the Special Meeting.
How do I vote in person if I am a record holder?
If you are a holder of record of Common Stock on the record date, May 25,
2007, you may attend the Special Meeting and vote in person. Inter-Tels
management has indicated that in order to vote in person you must bring proof
of identification to the Special Meeting.
How do I vote by proxy if I am a record holder?
To vote by proxy, you should complete, sign and date the enclosed GREEN proxy
card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. To be able
to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions at the Special
Meeting, Mr. Mihaylo must receive your proxy as soon as possible but in any
event prior to the Special Meeting. You may vote your shares without
submitting a proxy to Mr. Mihaylo if you vote in person or submit a proxy to
Inter-Tels proxy solicitor for the Special Meeting in accordance with the
instructions contained in Managements Proxy Statement.
What if I am not the record holder of my shares?
If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or
other institution, only it can give a proxy with respect to your shares. You
may have received either a GREEN proxy card from the record holder (which you
can complete and send directly to MacKenzie Partners, Inc.) or an instruction
card (which you can complete and return to the
record holder to direct its voting of your shares). If the record holder has
not sent you either a GREEN proxy card or an instruction card, you may
contact the record holder directly to provide it with instructions.
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You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple
copies of this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction
cards. For example, if you hold shares in more than one brokerage account,
you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account
in which shares are held. You should complete, sign, date and return each
GREEN proxy card and voting instruction card you receive.
You may also receive a white proxy or voting instruction card which is being
solicited by the Inter-Tel Board. We urge you to discard any white proxy or
voting instruction cards sent to you by Inter-Tel. If you have previously
signed a white proxy or voting instruction card sent by Inter-Tel and voted
yes, Mr. Mihaylo urges you to sign, date and promptly mail the enclosed
GREEN proxy card or voting instruction card for the Special Meeting, which
will revoke any earlier dated proxy or voting instruction cards solicited by
the Inter-Tel Board which you may have signed. It is very important that you
date your proxy. It is not necessary to contact Inter-Tel or Inter-Tels
proxy solicitor for your revocation to be effective. If you voted NO on the
white proxy card and do not wish to change your vote there is no need to
submit a GREEN proxy card.
If you need assistance, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc. by telephone
at 1-800-322-2885.
Inter-Tels management has indicated that if you hold shares in street name
through a broker, bank or other nominee, you may vote those shares in person
at the Special Meeting only if you obtain and bring with you a signed proxy
from the necessary bank, broker, or other nominee giving you the right to
vote the shares. If you need assistance, please contact Mr. Mihaylos proxy
solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., by telephone at 1-800-322-2885 or
1-212-929-5500.
What should I do if I receive a white proxy card from Inter-Tels management?
Proxies on the white proxy card are being solicited by Inter-Tels
management. If you submit a proxy to Mr. Mihaylo by signing and returning the
enclosed GREEN proxy card, do not sign or return the white proxy card or
follow any voting instructions provided by Inter-Tel unless you intend to
change your vote, because only your latest-dated proxy will be counted.
If you have already sent a white proxy card to Inter-Tel and voted in favor
of the proposed Merger, you may revoke it and vote against the proposed
Merger simply by signing, dating and returning the enclosed GREEN proxy card.
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What if I want to revoke my proxy or change my voting instructions?
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is voted on your
behalf. You may do so by:
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delivering a later-dated proxy to either MacKenzie Partners, Inc. or Inter-Tels proxy solicitor; or |
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delivering a written notice of revocation to either MacKenzie Partners, Inc. or Inter-Tels proxy
solicitor; or |
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voting in person at the Special Meeting. |
If you hold your shares in street name, you may change your vote by:
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submitting new voting instructions to your bank, broker or nominee; or |
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obtaining and bringing with you a signed proxy from the necessary
bank, broker, or other nominee giving you the right to vote the shares. |
If you choose to revoke a proxy by giving written notice or a later-dated
proxy to Inter-Tels proxy solictor or by submitting new voting instructions
to your bank, broker or nominee, Mr. Mihaylo would appreciate if you would
assist him in representing the interests of stockholders on an informed basis
by sending Mr. Mihaylo a copy of your revocation, proxy or new voting
instructions c/o MacKenzie Partners, Inc., or by calling MacKenzie Partners,
Inc. at 1-800-322-2885 or 1-212-929-5500. Remember, your latest-dated proxy
is the only one that counts.
If I plan to attend the Special Meeting, should I still submit a proxy?
Whether you plan to attend the Special Meeting or not, Mr. Mihaylo urges you
to submit a proxy. Returning the enclosed proxy card will not affect your
right to attend the Special Meeting and vote.
Who can vote?
You are eligible to vote or to execute a proxy only if you owned Common Stock
on the record date for the Special Meeting, May 25, 2007. Even if you sell
your shares after the record date, you will retain the right to
execute a proxy in connection with the Special Meeting. It is important that
you grant a proxy regarding shares you held on the record date, or vote those
shares in person, even if you no longer own those shares. According to
Managements Proxy Statement, approximately 27,280,859 shares of Common Stock
were issued and outstanding on the record date for the Special Meeting.
How many votes do I have?
With respect to each matter to be considered at the Special Meeting, you are
entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock owned on the record date.
35
How will my shares be voted?
If you give a proxy on the accompanying GREEN proxy card, your shares will be
voted as you direct. If you submit a signed GREEN proxy card to MacKenzie
Partners, Inc.
without instructions, your shares will be voted AGAINST the proposal to adopt
the Merger Agreement and AGAINST the proposal to adjourn or postpone the
Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies
if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting. Submitting a signed GREEN proxy card
without instructions will also entitle Mr. Mihaylo and [ ] to vote your
shares in accordance with their discretion on such other matters as may
properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements
thereof and that are unknown to Messrs. Mihaylo and [ ] a reasonable time
before this solicitation.
If my broker holds my shares in street name, will my broker vote my shares
for me?
Your broker will not vote your shares without instructions from you. Without
instructions, your broker will not vote your shares, which will have the
effect of a vote AGAINST the adoption of the Merger Agreement and no effect
on the voting for the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to
solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the
adoption of the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting.
What is a quorum and why is it necessary?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to have a valid meeting of Inter-Tel
stockholders. A majority of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding
and entitled to vote on the record date must be present in person or by proxy
at the Special Meeting in order for a quorum to be established. Abstentions
and broker non-votes count as present for establishing the quorum described
above. A broker non-vote occurs on an item when a broker is not permitted
to vote on that item without instructions from the beneficial owner of the
shares and no instructions are given. Shares held by Inter-Tel in its
treasury do not count toward the quorum.
What vote is required to approve each proposal and how will votes be counted?
The adoption of the Merger Agreement requires that stockholders holding a
majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business
on the record date and entitled to vote on the proposal vote for the
adoption of the Merger Agreement. The adoption of the proposal to adjourn or
postpone the Special Meeting to solicit additional proxies if there are not
sufficient votes in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement at the
Special Meeting requires that stockholders holding a majority of the shares
of Common Stock having voting power, present in person or represented by
proxy, vote for the adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
What happens if I do not return a GREEN or white proxy card?
The failure to execute and return a GREEN or white proxy card will have the
same effect as voting against the adoption of the Merger Agreement and no
effect on the adoption of the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special
Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there
are not sufficient votes in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement at
the Special Meeting.
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Am I entitled to appraisal rights?
Yes. Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, stockholders
who do not vote in favor of adopting the Merger Agreement will have the right
to seek appraisal of the fair value of their shares of Common Stock as
determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery if the proposed Merger is
completed, but only if they submit a written demand for an appraisal before
the vote on the adoption of the Merger Agreement and only if they comply with
the Delaware law procedures, as more fully explained in Managements Proxy
Statement. This appraisal amount could be more than, the same as, or less
than the amount a stockholder would be entitled to receive under the Merger
Agreement.
How can I receive more information?
If you have any questions about giving your proxy or about Mr. Mihaylos
solicitation, or if you require assistance, please call MacKenzie Partners,
Inc. at 1-800-322-2885 or 1-212-929-5500.
IF YOU WISH TO VOTE AGAINST INTER-TELS PROPOSALS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
MERGER, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED GREEN PROXY CARD
IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
GENERAL
PROXY INFORMATION
The enclosed GREEN Proxy Card may be executed only by holders of record at
the close of business on May 25, 2007, which is the record date for the
Special Meeting.
As of the record date, Mr. Mihaylo was the beneficial owner of an aggregate
of 5,189,748 shares of Common Stock. Of such shares beneficially owned by Mr.
Mihaylo, 5,179,498 shares are voting securities, representing approximately
19.0% of the shares outstanding on the record date. As of the record date,
there were 27,280,859 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
The shares of Common Stock represented by each GREEN Proxy Card which is
properly executed and returned to Mr. Mihaylo will be voted at the Special
Meeting in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. Executed but
unmarked GREEN Proxy Cards will be voted as follows:
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AGAINST the adoption of the Merger Agreement; and |
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AGAINST the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there
are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting. |
Mr. Mihaylo is not aware at the present time of any other matter which is
scheduled to be voted upon by stockholders at the Special Meeting. However,
if any other matter properly
comes before the Special Meeting, Mr. Mihaylo will vote his Common Stock and
all proxies held by him in accordance with his best judgment with respect to
each such matter.
37
If you hold your shares in the name of one or more brokerage firms, banks,
nominees or other institutions, only they can vote your shares and only upon
receipt of your specific instructions. Accordingly, you should contact the
person responsible for your account and give instructions to vote the GREEN
Proxy Card.
In some instances, Mr. Mihaylo may deliver to multiple stockholders sharing a
common address only one copy of this Proxy Statement and its attachments. If
requested by phone or in writing, he will promptly provide a separate copy of
the proxy statement and its attachments to a stockholder sharing an address
with another stockholder. Requests by phone should be directed to MacKenzie
Partners, Inc., toll free at (800) 322-2885, and requests in writing should
be sent to MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 105 Madison Avenue, New York, New York
10016, or by email to proxy@mackenziepartners.com.
PROXY REVOCATION
Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, Mr. Mihaylo urges you
to vote AGAINST the Merger Agreement and AGAINST the proposal to adjourn or
postpone the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of
the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting by signing, dating and returning
the GREEN Proxy Card in the enclosed envelope. You can do
this even if you have already voted on the white proxy card solicited by the
Inter-Tel Board. It is the latest dated proxy that counts.
Execution of a GREEN Proxy Card will not affect your right to attend the
Special Meeting and to vote in person. Any stockholder granting a proxy
(including a proxy given to the Company) may revoke it at any time before it
is voted by (a) submitting a duly executed new proxy bearing a later date,
(b) attending and voting at the Special Meeting in person, or (c) at any time
before a previously executed proxy is voted, giving written notice of
revocation to either Mr. Mihaylo, c/o MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 105 Madison
Avenue, New York, New York 10016, or the Company, 1615 South 52
nd Street, Tempe, Arizona, 85281, attention: Corporate
Secretary. Merely attending the Special Meeting will not revoke any previous
proxy which has been signed or returned by you. The GREEN Proxy Card
furnished to you by Mr. Mihaylo, if properly executed and delivered, will
revoke all prior proxies.
MANAGEMENTS PROXY STATEMENT
The information concerning the Company and the proposed Merger contained
herein has been taken from, or is based upon, publicly available documents on
file with the SEC, including Managements Proxy Statement, and other publicly
available information. Although Mr. Mihaylo has no knowledge that would
indicate that statements relating to the Company or the Merger Agreement
contained in this Proxy Statement, in reliance upon publicly available
information, are inaccurate or incomplete, to date he has not had access to
the full books and records of the Company, was not involved in the
preparation of such
38
information and statements and is not in a position to verify any such
information or statements. Accordingly, Mr. Mihaylo does not take any
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for
any failure by the Company to disclose events that may have occurred and may
affect the significance or accuracy of any such information.
Pursuant to Rule 14a-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act, reference is made
to Managements Proxy Statement for information concerning the Merger
Agreement, the proposed Merger, the Company, Mitel and Acquisition Sub, the
proposals to be voted upon at the Special Meeting, the Common Stock, the
beneficial ownership of Common Stock by the principal holders thereof,
federal and state regulatory requirements that must be complied with and
approvals that must be obtained in connection with the Merger, any reports,
opinions and/or appraisals received by Inter-Tel in connection with the
Merger, other information concerning the Companys management, the trading
prices of Inter-Tel Common Stock over time, the procedures for submitting
proposals for consideration at the 2007 Annual Meeting and certain other
matters regarding the Company and the Special Meeting. Mr. Mihaylo assumes no
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any such information.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
Mr. Mihaylo is not aware at the present time of any other matter which is
scheduled to be voted upon by stockholders at the Special Meeting. However,
if any other matter properly comes before the Special Meeting, Mr. Mihaylo
will vote his Common Stock and all proxies held by him in accordance with his
best judgment with respect to each such matter.
INFORMATION ABOUT PARTICIPANTS IN
MR. MIHAYLOS PROXY SOLICITATION
The proxies solicited hereby are sought by Mr. Mihaylo. Summit and the Trust
are participants in the solicitation of proxies by Mr. Mihaylo. Mr. Mihaylo,
Summit and the Trust are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the
Participants.
Mr. Mihaylo is the founder of Inter-Tel and served as Chief Executive Officer
of the Company from the time of its formation in July 1969 to February 2006.
In January 2006, the Company approached Mr. Mihaylo regarding succession
planning for Mr. Mihaylos eventual retirement. In February 2006, Mr.
Cappello informed Mr. Mihaylo that the Inter-Tel Board was requesting that
Mr. Mihaylo resign as Chief Executive Officer, and that the Inter-Tel Board
intended to vote on terminating Mr. Mihaylos employment as Chief Executive
Officer without cause if he did not resign. Because of his strategic
differences with the Inter-Tel Board, and his concern
that the Company and its employees would be adversely affected if he were
terminated, Mr. Mihaylo resigned as Chief Executive Officer on February 22,
2006.
39
Mr. Mihaylo may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 5,189,748
shares of Common Stock. Of such shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo,
5,179,498 shares are voting securities, representing approximately 19.0% of
the shares outstanding on the
record date. Mr. Mihaylo is the holder of record of 1,498 shares of Common
Stock. Mr. Mihaylo is also the holder of record of options to acquire 7,500
shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $21.11 per share and which
became exercisable on November 12, 2006, and options to acquire 2,750 shares
of Common Stock with an exercise price of $20.95 per share and which became
exercisable on December 7, 2006. In addition, he is the sole trustee of the
Trust and, as such, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 5,178,000
shares of Common Stock held by the Trust. Because of his strategic
differences with the Inter-Tel Board and his beneficial ownership of Common
Stock, Mr. Mihaylo may be deemed to have a substantial interest in all of the
proposals described herein.
On April 3, 2007, the Trust transferred 1,498 shares of Common Stock held by
the Trust to Mr. Mihaylo. On May 15, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo transferred 144,000
shares of Common Stock of which he was the holder of record to the Trust. Mr.
Mihaylos net beneficial ownership of 5,189,748 shares of Common Stock was
not affected by these transactions.
Mr. Mihaylo is the sole member and the managing member of Summit, an entity
through which he makes investments. Summit does not own, beneficially or of
record, any shares of Common Stock. The business address of Summit is P.O.
Box 19790, Reno, Nevada 89511.
Mr. Mihyalo is the sole trustee of the Trust. The Trust is the record owner
of the 5,178,000 shares of Common Stock held by the Trust. The business
address of the Trust is P.O. Box 19790, Reno, Nevada 89511.
On May 18, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and Vector entered into the Memorandum
with respect to the potential acquisition of the Company. Pursuant to the
Memorandum, if, after Mr. Mihaylo/Summit and Vector extend a proposal to
jointly acquire the Company, Mr. Mihaylo chooses to sell or vote his shares
of Common Stock, within 12 months of the termination of the Memorandum, in
favor of another change of control transaction, Mr. Mihaylo/Summit would pay
to Vector, either in cash or in the form of consideration received by Mr.
Mihaylo for his shares of Common Stock in such transaction, a specified
amount as overbid protection in accordance with the formula set forth in
the Memorandum. It was expected that Mr. Mihaylo would serve as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company following any acquisition of the Company by
Mr. Mihaylo and Vector. On March 2, 2007, Mr. Mihaylo, Summit and Vector
terminated the Memorandum and amended the overbid protection formula.
Summit entered into a letter agreement, dated March 3, 2006, as amended as of
March 19, 2007 and June 1, 2007, with RBC (the RBC Agreement), pursuant to
which it has engaged RBC in perpetuity, subject to each partys right to
terminate the RBC Agreement under certain circumstances and upon notice, to
provide certain investment banking and financial advisory services in
connection with a review of Mr. Mihaylos strategic alternatives regarding
the Company. Under the RBC Agreement, the services provided by RBC included
assisting Mr. Mihaylo in structuring, negotiating, implementing and
coordinating key aspects of a possible Transaction (as defined below) and in
the solicitation of parties interested in providing equity and/or debt
financing in connection with a possible Transaction. Transaction mean the
first to occur of (i) any transaction or
40
series or combination of related transactions, whereby directly or
indirectly, a majority of the capital stock of Inter-Tel is, or assets
representing a majority in value of the assets of Inter-Tel are, transferred
to Mr. Mihaylo or otherwise becomes beneficially owned by Mr. Mihaylo for
consideration, including, without limitation, a sale
or exchange of capital stock (including by means of a tender offer) or
assets, a merger, plan of exchange or consolidation, the formation of a joint
venture, a minority investment or partnership, or any similar transaction or
(ii) the consummation by Inter-Tel of a self-tender, extraordinary dividend
or other recapitalization transaction.
As compensation for its services under the RBC Agreement, RBC has received a
non-refundable cash retainer fee, and is entitled to receive (i) an agreed
upon transaction fee in the event that Mr. Mihaylo consummates, during the
term of the RBC Agreement or during the 12 months following the term, a
Transaction pursuant to a definitive agreement, letter of intent or other
evidence of a commitment entered into between Mr. Mihaylo and the Company, or
by means of a tender offer to the stockholders of the Company initiated by
Mr. Mihaylo, (ii) an agreed upon topping fee in the event that a Third Party
Transaction (as defined below) is consummated during the term of the RBC
Agreement or during the 12 months following the term and such Third Party
Transaction is subsequent to any offer (whether written or oral) made by Mr.
Mihaylo to the Company relating to a Transaction, (iii) an agreed upon
success fee in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated under
certain circumstances creditable against the above referenced transaction fee
or topping fee, and (iv) an agreed upon contingent topping fee in the event
that Mr. Mihaylo or his affiliates exercise appraisal rights under Delaware
law in respect to a Third Party Transaction and recover an amount that is
greater than the price per share at which such Third Party Transaction was
consummated. On June 14, 2006, Mr. Mihaylo and Vector submitted an offer to
the Company for purposes of clause (ii) above. Third Party Transaction
means any transaction or series or combination of related transactions,
whereby directly or indirectly, a majority of the capital stock of the
Company is, or assets representing a majority of the assets of the Company
are, transferred to a person not affiliated with Mr. Mihaylo or the Company
for consideration, including, without limitation, a sale or exchange of
capital stock or assets, a merger, plan of exchange or consolidation, the
formation of a joint venture, a minority investment or partnership, or any
similar transaction. RBC has been reimbursed for a portion of its reasonable
out of pocket expenses in performing the services under the RBC Agreement,
and will be reimbursed for a reasonable portion of its additional out of
pocket expenses up to an agreed upon dollar amount.
On June 1, 2007, in connection with the services provided by RBC under the
RBC Agreement, RBC delivered to Mr. Mihaylo a letter stating that based upon
RBCs review of publicly available information and discussions with Mr.
Mihaylo, RBC is highly confident of being able to raise a total of $200.0
million in debt financing in connection with the Recapitalization Proposal.
Except as set forth in this Proxy Statement, none of the Participants nor any
of their respective affiliates or associates, (i) directly or indirectly, is
the beneficial owner of, or is the owner of record of but not the beneficial
owner of, any shares of Common Stock of the Company or any securities of any
parent or subsidiary of the Company, (ii) has purchased
41
or sold within the past two years any securities of the Company, (iii) has
had any relationship with the Company in any capacity other than as a
stockholder, (iv) since the beginning of the Companys last fiscal year, has
a direct or indirect interest in any transaction or series of similar
transactions, or any currently proposed transaction or series of similar
transactions, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was or is to be
a party, which involves an amount greater than $120,000, nor has any such
person been indebted to the Company or any of its subsidiaries for over
$120,000 at any time since the beginning of the last fiscal year, or (v) has
entered into any agreement or understanding with any person respecting any
future employment by the Company or its affiliates or any future transactions
to which the Company or any of its affiliates will or may be a party. Except
as otherwise set forth in this Proxy Statement, there are no contracts,
arrangements or understandings, including, but not limited to, joint
ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees against loss
or guarantees of profit, division of losses or profits, or the giving or
withholding of proxies, by the Participants or any of their respective
affiliates or associates within the past year with any person with respect to
the Companys securities.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements are based on various underlying assumptions and
expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements. Although Mr. Mihaylo believes these assumptions
are reasonable, he cannot assure you that they will prove correct.
Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Further, Mr. Mihaylo
undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements after the date
they are made or to conform the statements to actual results or changes in
Mr. Mihaylos expectations.
The following important factors could affect future results and could cause
those results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: failure to
complete the Recapitalization Proposal or an alternative transaction; effects
of stockholders not adopting the Merger Agreement on Inter-Tels business;
the anticipated benefits of the Recapitalization Proposal may not be
realized; the Recapitalization Proposal would materially increase leverage
and debt service obligations, including the effect of certain covenants in
any new borrowing agreements Inter-Tel may enter into; events which may be
subject to circumstances beyond Inter-Tels control; the potential for
diversion of management from Inter-Tels business; employee recruiting,
retention and attrition relating to the uncertainty regarding adoption of the
Merger Agreement or implementation of the Recapitalization Proposal; the
potential effect of the proposed Merger, Recapitalization Proposal or an
alternative transaction on Inter-Tels relations with suppliers, customers,
service providers and other stakeholders; the ability of Inter-Tel to retain
existing dealers and customers; market acceptance of new and existing
Inter-Tel products, software and services; evolution in customer demand for
Inter-Tels products and services; fluctuations in quarterly results and
seasonality; uncertainty of future operating results; availability of
inventory from vendors and suppliers; industry,
42
competitive and technological changes; the composition, product and channel
mixes, timing and size of orders from and shipments to major customers; price
and product competition; international sales and operations; protection of
intellectual property, dependence on licensed technology and new product
development; risk of product defects and product liability; expansion of
indirect channels; management of growth; consolidation in Inter-Tels
industry sectors, and general market trends or economic changes; and the
impact of recently enacted or proposed regulations.
PROXY SOLICITATION; EXPENSES
The proxy solicitation is being made by Mr. Mihaylo. Proxies will be
solicited by mail, courier, advertisement, telephone, facsimile, email,
Internet, other electronic means and in person. Mr. Mihaylo will bear the
entire expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy
Statement and the GREEN Proxy Card and the cost of soliciting proxies.
The total cost of this proxy solicitation (including fees of attorneys,
solicitors and advertising and printing expenses) for Mr. Mihaylo is
estimated to be approximately $500,000. Approximately $75,000 of such costs
have been paid to date. To the extent legally permissible, Mr. Mihaylo will
seek reimbursement from the Company for the costs of this solicitation. Mr.
Mihaylo does not currently intend to submit approval of such reimbursement to
a vote of stockholders of the Company at a subsequent meeting unless required
by law.
Mr. Mihaylo will pay to banks, brokers and other fiduciaries their reasonable
charges and expenses incurred in forwarding proxy materials to their
principals and in obtaining authorization for execution of proxies.
Mr. Mihaylo has retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. (MacKenzie) to assist in
the proxy solicitation. MacKenzie has been paid a retainer of $15,000 toward
a final fee to be agreed upon between the parties based upon customary fees
for the services provided. MacKenzie will be reimbursed for its reasonably
out-of-pocket expenses. MacKenzie will be indemnified against losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses arising from or in connection with its
services or matters which are the subject of its retainer agreement;
provided, however, that there will be no liability for such indemnification
in respect of any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense which was the
result of the bad faith or willful misconduct of MacKenzie. It is anticipated
that MacKenzie will solicit proxies from individuals, brokers, banks, bank
nominees and other institutional holders. It is anticipated that
approximately 25 persons employed by MacKenzie will solicit stockholders.
June [ % ] , 2007
STEVEN G. MIHAYLO
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IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE,
PLEASE CONTACT:
MACKENZIE PARTNERS, INC.
105 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
TOLL FREE: (800) 322-2885
or
CALL COLLECT: (212) 929-5500
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
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PRELIMINARY COPY
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION: DATED JUNE 22, 2007
[FORM OF PROXY CARD]
PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY
DETACH CARD HERE
PROXY SOLICITED BY STEVEN G. MIHAYLO IN OPPOSITION TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INTER-TEL (DELAWARE), INCORPORATED
The undersigned hereby appoints Steven G. Mihaylo and [], and
each of them, the proxy or proxies of the undersigned with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock of
Inter-Tel (Delaware), Incorporated (the Company) which the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company to be held on June 29, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., local
time, at the offices of Snell & Wilmer LLP, 400 East Van Buren Street, One
Arizona Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, and at any and all adjournments or
postponements thereof. This proxy revokes all prior proxies.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, IT
WILL BE VOTED AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AS DESCRIBED IN
PROPOSAL 1, AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN OR POSTPONE THE SPECIAL MEETING
TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES AS DESCRIBED IN PROPOSAL 2 AND, IN THE
DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES, ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE SPECIAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF AND THAT ARE
UNKNOWN TO THE PROXIES A REASONABLE TIME BEFORE THIS SOLICITATION.
By signing this proxy, you acknowledge receipt of the proxy statement of
Steven G. Mihaylo, dated [], 2007.
[SEE REVERSE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS]
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PROXY SOLICITED BY STEVEN G. MIHAYLO IN OPPOSITION TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INTER-TEL (DELAWARE), INCORPORATED
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE VOTE TODAY.
DETACH CARD HERE
MR. MIHAYLO RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AS DESCRIBED IN PROPOSAL 1 AND AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN OR
POSTPONE THE SPECIAL MEETING TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES AS DESCRIBED IN
PROPOSAL 2.
MR. MIHAYLO RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 1 BELOW.
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To adopt the Merger Agreement. |
o FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN
MR. MIHAYLO RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 2 BELOW.
2. |
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To adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if necessary or
appropriate, to solicit additional proxies,
if there are not sufficient votes in favor of adoption of the Merger
Agreement at the special meeting. |
o FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, IT
WILL BE VOTED AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AS DESCRIBED IN
PROPOSAL 1, AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN OR POSTPONE THE SPECIAL MEETING
TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES AS DESCRIBED IN PROPOSAL 2 AND, IN THE
DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES, ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE SPECIAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF AND THAT ARE
UNKNOWN TO THE PROXIES A REASONABLE TIME BEFORE THIS SOLICITATION.
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Date: , 2007
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Signature of Stockholder |
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Signature (if held jointly) |
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Title/Authority |
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Please sign exactly as your name appears on this
proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons must sign. |
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Trustees, administrators, etc. should include title and
authority. Corporations should provide full name of
corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy. |
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