Business News
Aladdin Knowledge Systems Completes Merger With Vector Capital Affiliate
Tuesday 24. March 2009 - Aladdin shareholders to receive $11.50 per share in cash, reflecting a value of $160 million
Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALDN) today announced that it has completed its previously announced merger with an investor group led by Vector Capital, a leading private equity firm specializing in the technology industry. The merger was approved by a majority of Aladdin’s shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on February 20, 2009. Under the terms of the merger, Aladdin shareholders will receive $11.50 per share in cash for each ordinary share they hold.
Commenting on the announcement, David Fishman, Partner at Vector Capital, said, “We are thrilled that we have successfully brought this transaction to completion. It is now time for all of us to focus on Aladdin’s future, leverage the Company’s strong products and take advantage of the combination with SafeNet’s business to create growth opportunities. We remain incredibly impressed with the quality of Aladdin’s management and employees and look forward to working together to build one of the great information security companies.”
“We are very excited to close this transaction and begin to move forward on the integration with SafeNet,” said Aviram Shemer, CFO at Aladdin. “Our customers will benefit from the strength of the combined companies as we continue to provide our award-winning, innovative security solutions across the globe. Together with our employees, we remain fully committed to the long-term success of Aladdin and SafeNet.”
Mr. Shemer continued: “I would especially like to thank Yanki Margalit, our Founder and outgoing CEO and Chairman of the Board. Aladdin’s success is a tribute to his vision and his dedication to our customers, shareholders and employees.”
In connection with the closing, trading of Aladdin’s shares on the NASDAQ Global Market and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange will cease March 24th and Aladdin will de-list the shares from both exchanges.
Shareholders who possess Aladdin share certificates will receive a letter of transmittal with detailed instructions, along with a tax declaration form, from the appointed paying agent, Bank of New York Mellon, regarding the surrender of their certificates for the merger consideration. For shares held in street name by a broker, bank or other nominee, the broker, bank or other nominee will handle the exchange of shares for the shareholders and will provide them with any relevant instructions for effecting the exchange and providing the tax declaration form.