VIAVI Response to Statements made by Mr. Germaine Lamonde and the EXFO Board of Directors
Viavi Solutions Inc. announced its disappointment over the rejection of its acquisition proposal for EXFO Inc. at $7.50 per share in cash. The company believes that its offer represents compelling value for EXFO shareholders and remains open to further discussions with EXFO's leadership. Viavi emphasizes the strategic merits of this transaction and is prepared to engage to reach an agreement, highlighting the importance of the deal for all stakeholders involved.
- Viavi's $7.50 per share cash offer for EXFO is seen as a compelling value for stakeholders.
- The willingness to engage with EXFO’s management suggests a proactive approach to potential acquisition.
- EXFO's quick rejection of the proposal without engagement raises concerns about future negotiations.
- Lack of collaboration with EXFO may hinder the realization of the anticipated value from the proposed acquisition.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (NASDAQ: VIAV) Viavi Solutions Inc. ("VIAVI") today issued the following statement:
"We are extremely disappointed that, without engaging with us, Mr. Lamonde and the EXFO Special Committee quickly rejected our superior proposal (our "Proposal") to acquire EXFO Inc. (TSX: EXF) (NASDAQ: EXFO) ("EXFO") for US
We reiterate our Proposal to the EXFO Board, which we continue to believe offers compelling value to EXFO shareholders, including Mr. Lamonde, and is in the best interest of all EXFO stakeholders.
VIAVI stands ready to engage with Mr. Lamonde and the EXFO Special Committee in order to reach a definitive agreement to implement a transaction."
About VIAVI Solutions
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, government and avionics. We help these customers harness the power of instruments, automation, intelligence and virtualization to Command the network. VIAVI is also a leader in light management solutions for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, and defense applications. Learn more about VIAVI at www.viavisolutions.com. Follow us on VIAVI Perspectives, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains 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, including statements and expectations regarding the Proposal, the strategic merits of a transaction between EXFO and VIAVI, VIAVI's expectations regarding growth, scale, financial resources and operating leverage, and VIAVI's plans regarding EXFO's brand, legacy and operations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. For more information on these risks, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section included in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2020 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2020, February 9, 2021 and May 7, 2021. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements.
Additional Information
The information contained in this press release does not, and is not meant to, constitute a solicitation of a proxy within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, VIAVI is voluntarily providing the disclosure required under Section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations applicable to public broadcast solicitations.
Any solicitation made by VIAVI will be made by it and not by or on behalf of management of EXFO. All costs incurred for any such solicitation will be borne by VIAVI. VIAVI may solicit proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, including through press releases, speeches or publications, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws. VIAVI may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist in soliciting proxies on its behalf, which agents would receive customary fees for such services. If VIAVI commences any solicitation of proxies, proxies may be revoked by an instrument in writing by a shareholder giving the proxy or by its duly authorized officer or attorney, or in any other manner permitted by law. Neither VIAVI nor, to its knowledge, any of its associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, (i) in any matter proposed to be acted upon in connection with the Going Private Transaction or (ii) in any transaction since the beginning of EXFO's most recently completed financial year or in or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect EXFO or any of its subsidiaries. Based upon publicly available information, EXFO's head office is located at 400 Godin Avenue, Quebec, Quebec, G1M 2K2, Canada.
Investors Contact: Bill Ong, 408-404-4512; bill.ong@viavisolutions.com
Press Contact: Amit Malhotra, 202-341-8624; amit.malhotra@viavisolutions.com
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SOURCE VIAVI Financials
FAQ
What was the acquisition proposal made by Viavi for EXFO?
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