Chatham Asset Management Increases Offer to Acquire R.R. Donnelley to $9.00-9.50 Per Share in Cash

Rhea-AI Summary

Chatham Asset Management, which owns approximately 14.9% of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), has submitted an enhanced cash offer of $9.00 to $9.50 per share to acquire all outstanding shares not owned by them. This offer follows a previous proposal of $7.50 per share. Chatham has expressed frustration with RRD's Board, as they have allegedly engaged with Atlas Holdings for an agreement at $8.50 per share without discussing Chatham's offers. Chatham remains committed to the acquisition and emphasizes the need for negotiations to maximize shareholder value.

Positive

• Increased offer range to $9.00-$9.50 per share indicates willingness to provide better shareholder value.
• Chatham's ownership of approximately $654.4 million in RRD debt shows commitment and potential to leverage financial support.

Negative

• RRD's Board is reportedly engaging with Atlas Holdings for a lower acquisition price of $8.50 per share.
• Chatham's frustration with the Board's lack of communication raises concerns about governance and fiduciary duties.

CHATHAM, N.J., Nov. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chatham Asset Management, LLC ("Chatham"), a private investment firm which manages funds that beneficially own approximately 14.9% of the outstanding common stock of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company ("RRD" or the "Company") (NYSE: RRD) and which is the largest bondholder of the Company, today in a letter sent to RRD's Board of Directors submitted an enhanced offer to acquire all the common stock of RRD not already owned by Chatham for $9.00-9.50 per share in cash. The offer is subject to RRD enabling Chatham to conduct appropriate due diligence.

The full text of the letter follows:

November 3, 2021

The Board of Directors
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
35 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601

To the Board of Directors:

On October 12, 2021, Chatham Asset Management, LLC (together with its affiliates, "we" or "Chatham"), the largest stockholder and debtholder of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company ("RRD" or the "Company"), submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all of the common stock of RRD not already owned by Chatham at a price equal to $7.50 per share (the "Original Offer"). Our Original Offer not only included a highly confident letter from Jefferies Group LLC supporting our ability to finance the transaction, but also contemplated a plan to equitize and/or subordinate our debt position which would significantly deleverage the Company.

Since we submitted our Original Offer, we have expended significant time and resources trying to execute a non-disclosure agreement to begin discussions with the Company regarding our offer.   We also have increased our ownership of the Company's outstanding debt, to an aggregate of approximately $654.4 million, as further evidence of our commitment to achieving a successful and value-maximizing transaction.

Despite these efforts, the Board refused to engage with us.  We now have learned, through a leaked story to the Wall Street Journal, that RRD is prepared to announce a definitive agreement with Atlas Holdings ("Atlas") later this morning, whereby Atlas will acquire RRD's outstanding stock for $8.50 per share. The Board's decision to sign a definitive agreement with Atlas, that may include a substantial break-up fee, without any conversation with us regarding our Original Offer raises major concerns.  We question how the Board could have undertaken a credible and fulsome strategic review process without any discussion or evaluation of our offer. 

While we remain deeply troubled by the Board's conduct to date, we remain committed to acquiring RRD and are prepared to increase our offer to $9.00 to $9.50 per share in cash if we can immediately execute a confidentiality agreement, conduct appropriate due diligence, and commence good faith negotiations with the Company. 

We urge the Board to fulfill its fiduciary obligations and immediately reengage with us so that RRD stockholders can receive superior value for their shares. Short of that, we must reserve all rights to protect our investment.

Sincerely,

/s/ Anthony Melchiorre

Anthony Melchiorre
Managing Member

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chatham-asset-management-increases-offer-to-acquire-rr-donnelley-to-9-00-9-50-per-share-in-cash-301414959.html

SOURCE Chatham Asset Management, LLC

FAQ

What is Chatham's new offer for R.R. Donnelley (RRD)?

Chatham Asset Management has increased its offer to acquire RRD to between $9.00 and $9.50 per share in cash.

Why is Chatham upset with RRD's Board?

Chatham is frustrated because RRD's Board is reportedly moving forward with Atlas Holdings for an acquisition at $8.50 per share without engaging in discussions about Chatham's offer.

How much debt does Chatham hold in RRD?

Chatham Asset Management holds approximately $654.4 million in RRD's debt.

What issues does Chatham raise about RRD's Board conduct?

Chatham questions the credibility of RRD's Board regarding its strategic review process, citing a lack of discussion about their offers.

What is the potential impact of Chatham's offer on RRD shareholders?

If accepted, Chatham's offer could provide superior value to RRD shareholders compared to the current engagement with Atlas Holdings.