/C O R R E C T I O N -- Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky/
Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, who control approximately 28% of Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) shares, have requested the Board force CEO Julie Smolyansky to withdraw her lawsuit against Edward Smolyansky. This comes after a controversial $2 million retention bonus awarded to Julie Smolyansky on December 23, 2024.
The Founding Shareholders express concerns about directors Jason Scher and Pol Sikar, citing potential conflicts of interest due to their personal ties to Julie Smolyansky. The Smolyanskys plan to expand their ongoing investigation that began in 2019, following the departure of two CFOs in 2018.
Ludmila Smolyansky revealed she began selling shares on January 3 to defend Edward after Julie filed suit on January 23. The activist campaign launched by the Smolyanskys in 2022 has reportedly increased LWAY's share price, though they claim the current board is obstructing asset monetization and charitable efforts. Their stated goal remains implementing new management and an independent slate of Directors.
Edward e Ludmila Smolyansky, che controllano circa il 28% delle azioni di Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), hanno richiesto al Consiglio di costringere l'amministratore delegato Julie Smolyansky a ritirare la sua causa contro Edward Smolyansky. Questo avviene dopo un controverso bonus di retention di 2 milioni di dollari assegnato a Julie Smolyansky il 23 dicembre 2024.
Gli Azionisti Fondatori esprimono preoccupazioni riguardo ai direttori Jason Scher e Pol Sikar, citando potenziali conflitti di interesse a causa dei loro legami personali con Julie Smolyansky. I Smolyansky pianificano di ampliare la loro indagine in corso, iniziata nel 2019, dopo le dimissioni di due CFO nel 2018.
Ludmila Smolyansky ha rivelato di aver iniziato a vendere azioni il 3 gennaio per difendere Edward dopo che Julie ha sporto denuncia il 23 gennaio. La campagna attivista lanciata dagli Smolyansky nel 2022 ha apparentemente aumentato il prezzo delle azioni di LWAY, sebbene affermino che l'attuale consiglio stia ostacolando la monetizzazione degli asset e gli sforzi caritatevoli. Il loro obiettivo dichiarato rimane l'implementazione di una nuova gestione e di un elenco indipendente di Direttori.
Edward y Ludmila Smolyansky, que controlan aproximadamente el 28% de las acciones de Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), han solicitado que el Consejo obligue a la CEO Julie Smolyansky a retirar su demanda contra Edward Smolyansky. Esto ocurre tras un controvertido bono de retención de $2 millones otorgado a Julie Smolyansky el 23 de diciembre de 2024.
Los Accionistas Fundadores expresan preocupaciones sobre los directores Jason Scher y Pol Sikar, citando posibles conflictos de interés debido a sus lazos personales con Julie Smolyansky. Los Smolyansky planean ampliar su investigación en curso, que comenzó en 2019, tras la salida de dos CFO en 2018.
Ludmila Smolyansky reveló que comenzó a vender acciones el 3 de enero para defender a Edward después de que Julie presentara la demanda el 23 de enero. La campaña de activismo lanzada por los Smolyansky en 2022 supuestamente ha incrementado el precio de las acciones de LWAY, aunque ellos afirman que el actual consejo está obstaculizando la monetización de activos y los esfuerzos caritativos. Su objetivo declarado sigue siendo implementar una nueva gestión y una lista independiente de Directores.
에드워드와 루드밀라 스몰리안스키는 약 28%의 Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) 주식을 보유하고 있으며, 이사회에 CEO 줄리 스몰리안스키에게 에드워드 스몰리안스키에 대한 소송을 철회하라고 요구했습니다. 이는 2024년 12월 23일에 줄리 스몰리안스키에게 수여된 논란이 된 200만 달러의 보너스 발표 이후 발생했습니다.
창립 주주들은 줄리 스몰리안스키와의 개인적 관계로 인해 제이슨 셔와 폴 시카르의 이사들에 대한 잠재적 이해충돌에 대해 우려를 표시했습니다. 스몰리안스키는 2018년에 두 CFO가 퇴사한 이후 2019년에 시작된 조사를 확대할 계획입니다.
루드밀라 스몰리안스키는 줄리가 1월 23일에 소송을 제기한 후 에드워드를 방어하기 위해 1월 3일에 주식을 팔기 시작했다고 밝혔습니다. 2022년 스몰리안스키가 시작한 활동가 캠페인은 LWAY의 주가가 상승하게 하였으나, 그들은 현재 이사회가 자산 수익화 및 자선 활동을 저지하고 있다고 주장합니다. 그들의 목표는 새로운 경영진과 독립 이사회 진을 구성하는 것입니다.
Edward et Ludmila Smolyansky, qui contrôlent environ 28% des actions de Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), ont demandé au Conseil de contraindre la PDG Julie Smolyansky à retirer sa plainte contre Edward Smolyansky. Cela survient après un bonus de rétention de 2 millions de dollars controversé accordé à Julie Smolyansky le 23 décembre 2024.
Les Actionnaires Fondateurs expriment des préoccupations au sujet des directeurs Jason Scher et Pol Sikar, évoquant de potentiels conflits d'intérêts en raison de leurs liens personnels avec Julie Smolyansky. Les Smolyansky prévoient d'élargir leur enquête en cours, commencée en 2019, après le départ de deux directeurs financiers en 2018.
Ludmila Smolyansky a révélé qu'elle avait commencé à vendre des actions le 3 janvier pour défendre Edward après que Julie ait porté plainte le 23 janvier. La campagne d'activisme lancée par les Smolyansky en 2022 aurait augmenté le prix des actions de LWAY, bien qu'ils affirment que le conseil actuel entrave la monétisation des actifs et les efforts caritatifs. Leur objectif déclaré reste la mise en œuvre d'une nouvelle direction et d'une liste indépendante de Directeurs.
Edward und Ludmila Smolyansky, die etwa 28% der Anteile an Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) kontrollieren, haben den Vorstand gebeten, CEO Julie Smolyansky zu zwingen, ihre Klage gegen Edward Smolyansky zurückzuziehen. Dies geschah nach einem umstrittenen Retention-Bonus von 2 Millionen Dollar, der Julie Smolyansky am 23. Dezember 2024 gewährt wurde.
Die Gründungsaktionäre äußern Bedenken hinsichtlich der Direktoren Jason Scher und Pol Sikar und verweisen auf potenzielle Interessenkonflikte aufgrund ihrer persönlichen Verbindungen zu Julie Smolyansky. Die Smolyanskys planen, ihre laufende Untersuchung, die 2019 begann, auszudehnen, nachdem 2018 zwei CFOs ausgeschieden sind.
Ludmila Smolyansky gab bekannt, dass sie am 3. Januar mit dem Verkauf von Aktien begonnen hat, um Edward zu verteidigen, nachdem Julie am 23. Januar Klage erhoben hatte. Die von den Smolyanskys 2022 gestartete Aktivistenkampagne hat Berichten zufolge den Aktienkurs von LWAY erhöht, obwohl sie behaupten, dass der aktuelle Vorstand die Monetarisierung von Vermögenswerten und karitativen Bemühungen behindert. Ihr erklärtes Ziel bleibt die Implementierung eines neuen Managements und einer unabhängigen Liste von Direktoren.
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In the news release, Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky Request Lifeway Foods Inc. NASDAQ (LWAY) CEO Julie Smolyansky Immediately Withdraws Her Lawsuit Against Edward Smolyansky. Reiterate and Reaffirm Singular Goal Amid Ongoing Activism Battle, issued 03-Feb-2025 by Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that "Withdraws" in the headline should read "Withdraw". The complete, corrected release follows:
Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky Request Lifeway Foods Inc. NASDAQ (LWAY) CEO Julie Smolyansky Immediately Withdraw Her Lawsuit Against Edward Smolyansky. Reiterate and Reaffirm Singular Goal Amid Ongoing Activism Battle
- Summarizes recent filings and next steps, previews upcoming proxy schedule
- Reaffirms and updates previously stated goal
On December 23, 2024, Lifeway's Compensation Committee, led by director Jason Scher, awarded what was described as a
Edward Smolyansky said, "Lifeway seems determined to plunge the Company deeper and deeper into litigation this time via proxy by Julie. We look forward to providing all shareholders a fully transparent accounting of the inner workings of America's Worst Governed Publicly Traded Company."
Ludmila Smolyansky stated, "After they cut a check to Julie for
The activist campaign that The Smolyanskys launched in 2022 has produced significant increases in the value of Lifeway's share price, yet Julie and her Board seem determined to obstruct the ability to monetize these assets and prohibit making significant charitable contributions. For example, last May, the charitable arm of the Founding Shareholders' new organization, Pure Culture Organics, announced its commitment to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of
Ludmila Smolyansky stated, "While my daughter's Board can attempt to interfere with our philanthropic efforts, these are mere speed bumps on the road to our singular goal, fresh new management and new independent slate of Directors."
For more information and update to date news connect with Edward on LinkedIn @ Edward Smolyansky and visit www.lifebacktolifeway.com to learn more about the Proxy Campaign.
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FAQ
What is the significance of the $2 million retention bonus awarded to LWAY CEO Julie Smolyansky in December 2024?
How much voting control do Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky have in Lifeway Foods (LWAY)?
What impact has the Smolyanskys' activist campaign had on LWAY stock since 2022?
Why did Ludmila Smolyansky begin selling LWAY shares in January 2025?
What are the main governance concerns raised about LWAY's current board?
