Flat Footed LLC Questions the Appropriateness and Timing of Insider Adam D. Portnoy’s Recent Purchases of DHC Stock
Reiterates View that the Proposed Merger with OPI Dramatically Undervalues DHC and Would Enrich Mr. Portnoy’s RMR Group, the External Manager of Both REITs, at Shareholders’ Expense
Believes Mr. Portnoy’s Purchases of DHC Stock at a Significant Premium to the Proposed Merger Price Validates Our Intent to Vote AGAINST the Proposed Transaction
“While we are confident that a critical mass of fellow shareholders will join us in opposing the proposed merger with OPI, it is nonetheless concerning to see Mr. Portnoy rapidly accumulating shares during the S-4 process and prior to the Board announcing a record date for a Special Meeting. It is equally concerning to see that Mr. Portnoy continues to purchase shares at much higher prices than the potential merger premium, which highlights the meager consideration being offered to DHC shareholders and further underscores why the proposed deal should be voted down. Given that Mr. Portnoy was not an active buyer in the years prior to the proposed deal being announced, we are left to question whether he is taking advantage of his insider status and seeking to ‘buy votes’ to help push through a value-destructive transaction that would be a boon for RMR at the expense of other shareholders. In light of his deeply conflicted status as an insider of DHC, OPI, and RMR, we urge the Board to assess whether it is appropriate for Mr. Portnoy to continue buying shares and to also commit to capping his potential ownership at the same levels other DHC shareholders adhere to.”
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FFL recently filed a preliminary proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to solicit votes against DHC’s proposed merger with OPI.
FFL expects shareholders to have an opportunity to vote on the merger and other proposals at a yet-to-be scheduled Special Meeting.
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About Flat Footed
Flat Footed LLC is a special situation, value-oriented investment management firm focused on leveraged, asset-heavy companies with complex capital structures. The Flat Footed LLC team has cumulatively managed
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS
Flat Footed LLC, a
FLAT FOOTED STRONGLY ADVISES ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC’S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROXY SOLICITATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE PROXY STATEMENT WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE PARTICIPANTS’ PROXY SOLICITOR.*
The participants in the proxy solicitation are Flat Footed and Marc Andersen.
As of the date hereof, the participants in the proxy solicitation beneficially own 22,439,900 common shares of beneficial interest,
1 Calculated based on the weighted average daily premium for purchases made by Mr. Portnoy from May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023.
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For Investors:
Flat Footed LLC
ir@flatfootedllc.com
Okapi Partners LLC
Mark Harnett
(212) 297-0720
mharnett@okapipartners.com
For Media:
Longacre Square Partners
Greg Marose / Charlotte Kiaie, 646-386-0091
FFL@longacresquare.com
Source: Flat Footed LLC