Applebees International Inc. (NDAQ:APPB) shares rose $1, or 3.89%, to $26.84 today after the company announced that it has received preliminary takeover offers and would begin a second round of due diligence with bidders before taking final offers. The company also said that it was exploring a recapitalization of the company as a possible alternative to a buyout. The moves come after Applebees settled with dissident shareholders Richard Breeden and his Breeden Capital Management LLC who threatened a proxy fight over board seats. As part of their settlement, the company agreed to explore strategic alternatives back in February. We covered this story in several past articles that outline the hedge funds problems and recommendations for changes at the company.

Now that the company has potential bidders on its doorstep, we can assume that it comes in at a premium higher than the current share price. After all, Applebees is a national chain that both financial and strategic buyers may be interested in turning around. The company was quick to note, however, that it was too early to comment on the likelihood or value of a recapitalization or sale, saying that there was no guarantee that a transaction would occur. Regardless, this is definitely a stock to watch as the company explores its options!

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Universal Power Group Inc. (NYSE:UPG) shares remained about even today after 3V Capital Management disclosed a 12.6% stake in the company and expressed their concern about UPG's stock price, which has fallen 33.6% since the IPO last December. The hedge fund said that it believes the stock is grossly undervalued at this price and that the company's board should work to create shareholder value in the most effective and expeditious way and do what is possible to ensure the market is reflective the fair value of the business as consistently and often as feasible. Consequently, 3V requested that it be able to express its ideas and views on ways to enhance shareholder value with representation on the company's board.

What exactly does the hedge fund want to accomplish? Well, according to their letter 3V has an excellent relationship with senior management and they intend to work closely with them and the board to help refine and better communicate their business strategy and operating plans to the investment community. Given the hedge fund's ties to institutional investors and the analyst community, it could help make the company much more known in the market. 3V also clued us into some other possibilities in Item 4 of their Schedule 13D filing where they noted that they may recommend transactions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item 4, which could mean a sale of the company, acquisition of other companies, changing of strategies, adopting or destroying anti-takeover measures, and restructuring the company's capitalization or dividend policy. In the end, there are clearly a lot of things that 3V could do, and with such a large stake in the company they should not have any trouble getting things done! This makes UPG a stock worth watching over the next few months!

Cerus Corporation (NDAQ:CERS) shares moved up $0.27, or 3.52%, to $7.94 after the company announced that it was evaluating strategic alternatives for its immunotherapy vaccine businesses. Cerus has three immunotheraputic product candidates with one in early stage human clinical trials and another for which an investigational new drug application is slated to be filed in mid-2007. The products are designed to stimulate immune pathways to target and attack cancer cells and infectious diseases. These strategic options could include a sale, merger, spinoff, or partnership with another company. Some investors had voiced concerns over the units valuation in the past and this move will enable the company to unlock the value for shareholders. This makes CERS a stock worth watching!

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