Bairnco Corporation (NYSE:BZ) said today in a press release that it has completed its evaluation of strategic alternatives. The company insisted that it would be in the best interest of shareholders to allow the company to continue implementing its own plans rather than put itself up for sale or take Steel Partners' $12/share buyout offer. BZs CEO commented:
"Our Board conducted an extensive, thorough review and concluded that the
current strategic alternatives available - including Steel Partners' tender
offer - would not deliver the same value potential as operating Bairnco as a
standalone company," said Bairnco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Luke E.
Fichthorn III. "Bairnco's discussions with Steel Partners were impeded by
Steel Partners' refusal to execute a confidentiality agreement that would have
allowed it to examine materials that the Company believes demonstrate the
superiority of our strategic plan over the Steel Partners offer. Were Steel
Partners to enter into such an agreement, the Company would be willing to
enter into discussions. We participated in discussions with a broad range of
other potential strategic and financial partners. These discussions served to
reinforce our view that our strategic plan provides superior growth and value
creation opportunities for Bairnco and our stockholders. We are optimistic
about our future as an independent company and will pursue our strategy
aggressively."
The company also said that had purchased Southern Saw Holdings, Inc. for $14 million through its subsidiary Kasco Corporation. The CEO commented:
"The combination of Atlanta SharpTech and Kasco will
permit us to build on the strengths of both organizations resulting in a more
cost effective overall organization while providing improved product and
services to our customers. The addition of Atlanta SharpTech is expected to be
accretive to Kasco and Bairnco's earnings in 2007 and beyond."
After this move, the stock is likely to move down from $12 in the near term, since the buyout premium no longer applies. Steel Partner's initial offer of $12 came when the stock was trading at $10 in a downward trend. Longer-term future valuation will depend on investors' confidence in managements ability to execute their plans. However, if Steel Partners takes further action in the form of a raised bid or hostile action, it could drive up the price from this point.
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