Atlas Corp. Board of Directors Forms Special Committee of Independent Directors to Evaluate Previously Announced "Take Private" Proposal
Atlas (NYSE: ATCO) announced the formation of a special committee of independent directors to evaluate a non-binding acquisition proposal from Poseidon Acquisition Corp. This proposal, received on August 4, 2022, suggests a cash acquisition of Atlas shares at $14.45 each, excluding shares owned by major stakeholders. Atlas has engaged Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor for this evaluation. The Board has not made any decisions regarding the proposal, which is still in the review process and does not constitute a binding commitment.
- Formation of a special committee to evaluate a potential acquisition proposal.
- Engagement of Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor could enhance negotiation outcomes.
- The proposal is non-binding, indicating uncertainty regarding the acquisition.
- Major stakeholders own over 50% of shares, potentially complicating negotiations.
LONDON, UK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Atlas ("Atlas" or the "Company") (NYSE: ATCO) announced today that its board of directors (the "Board") has already formed a special committee of independent directors to evaluate the unsolicited non-binding proposal from Poseidon Acquisition Corp. ("Poseidon") received by the Board on August 4, 2022. The special committee has already retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as its financial advisor, and also has already retained legal counsel, in connection with its evaluation of the proposal.
As previously announced, Poseidon is an entity formed by certain affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax"), certain affiliates of the Washington Family ("Washington"), David Sokol, Chairman of the Board of Atlas, and Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., and certain of their respective affiliates. Poseidon has proposed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Atlas, other than common shares owned by Fairfax, Washington, Mr. Sokol and certain executive officers of the Company, for
Atlas cautions its shareholders and others considering trading in Atlas securities that the Board has only recently received the proposal, the special committee, working with its advisors, is in the process of carefully reviewing and evaluating the proposal, and no decision has been made yet with respect to a response to the proposal. The proposal constitutes only an indication of interest by Poseidon and does not constitute a binding commitment with respect to the proposed transaction or any other transaction. No agreement, arrangement or understanding between Atlas and Poseidon relating to any proposed transaction will be created unless definitive documentation is executed and delivered by the appropriate parties.
Atlas does not undertake any obligation to provide any updates with respect to this or any other transaction, or to provide any additional disclosures to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances, except as required under applicable law.
About Atlas
Atlas is a leading global asset management company, differentiated by its position as a best-in-class owner and operator with a focus on disciplined capital deployment to create sustainable shareholder value. We target long-term, risk-adjusted returns across high-quality infrastructure assets in the maritime sector, energy sector and other infrastructure verticals. For more information, visit atlascorporation.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements included in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, but not limited to, expectations regarding the proposed transaction, the formation of a special committee of independent directors and the evaluation and any negotiation and consummation of any transaction are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent Atlas' estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this release and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this release. Although these statements are based upon assumptions Atlas believes to be reasonable based upon available information, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release are estimates and assumptions reflecting the judgment of senior management and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Atlas' control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors listed above and including, but not limited to, those set forth in "Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors" in Atlas' Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2021 on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 24, 2022, and in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Atlas does not intend to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any change in its expectations or events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Atlas expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in Atlas' views or expectations, or otherwise. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures included in Atlas' Annual Report and in Atlas' other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect Atlas' businesses, prospects and results of operations.
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SOURCE Atlas Corp.
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