It is our daily habit to take a stroll through the recently filed Schedule 13Ds and 13Gs. On rare occasions we uncover a viable investment with an activist pushing to catalyze sedentary management. On rarer occasions we find agitated investors angling for a fight.
In the recent 13D filing for Peerless Systems Corporation (PRLS), its Chairman Timothy Brog expresses some frustration with Highbury Financial’s (HBRF.OB) current Board and management:
Gentleman,
Peerless Systems Corporation owns 1,197,673 shares of Highbury Financial Inc. (“Highbury” or “HBRF”) common stock (“Common Stock”) and 1,525,241 warrants (“Warrants”) exercisable into a like number of shares of Common Stock. As the holder of these securities, Peerless is one of the largest shareholders of Common Stock and together with our warrant ownership (assuming the exercise thereof), we are the largest shareholder of Highbury.
As you are aware a meeting took place in Chicago on July 1st (the “Chicago Meeting”) between the largest four non-management shareholders of Highbury (in the aggregate such shareholders own approximately 60% of the outstanding Common Stock) on the one hand, and management and the Board, on the other hand… We have been patient to date, but we are disappointed that after almost three weeks since the Chicago Meeting you have continued to ignore your shareholders. With no response, our patience has run out and our resolve is strong to take ALL available actions that a shareholder in HBRF possesses.
The audacity and self-serving behavior of corporate board of directors has always amazed us. Almost every time we interact with a new board we hope for the best and prepare for the worst. One of our favorite parts of dealing with boards is hearing them state that they always act in the best interest of their shareholders, they do not need the money from board fees and they have
