Aladdin Shareholders to Receive $11.50 per Share in Cash Transaction Valued at $160 Million

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL AND SAN FRANSCISO, CA, January 12, 2009 – Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALDN) today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an investor group lead by Vector Capital, a leading private equity firm specializing in the technology industry, in a transaction valued at approximately $160 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aladdin shareholders will receive $11.50 per share in cash for each share of common stock they hold. This represents a premium of approximately 20% over Aladdin’s closing share price on January 9, 2009, the last trading day prior to today’s announcement, and a premium of approximately 64% over Aladdin’s closing share price on January 5, 2009, the last trading day prior to Aladdin’s announcement that it was in continuing discussions with Vector Capital regarding a possible strategic transaction.

“After extensive negotiations and careful and thorough analysis, conducted with our independent advisors, the Board has unanimously endorsed this transaction as in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders,” said Yanki Margalit, Chairman and CEO of Aladdin Knowledge Systems.

Commenting on the announcement, David Fishman, Partner, Vector Capital, said, “We are very excited about adding Aladdin to our portfolio of outstanding technology companies and believe that placing Aladdin’s DRM and Authentication assets under common management with those of our portfolio company, SafeNet Inc., a global leader in information security, makes considerable strategic sense and will greatly benefit all stakeholders. Aladdin is an exceptional company, with significant potential and a strong commitment to its employees, partners and customers worldwide. We understand Aladdin’s industry and business well, and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure a smooth and expeditious transition.”

The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of Aladdin’s shareholders, antitrust regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Approximately 14% of Aladdin’s outstanding shares in the aggregate are held by an affiliate of Vector Capital, and Directors of Aladdin, including Mr. Margalit, have entered into a voting agreement for 19% of the outstanding shares pursuant to which they have agreed to vote all of their shares in favor of the transaction.  There is no financing condition to consummate the transaction. The transaction is expected to close following the satisfaction of all closing conditions, which is anticipated to occur in the next two to three months. Wells Fargo Foothill, part of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC), has committed to provide debt financing in support of the acquisition.

The transaction will be presented to Aladdin shareholders for approval at Aladdin’s Extraordinary General Meeting, which will be scheduled as soon as practicable.

About Vector Capital

Vector Capital is a leading private equity firm specializing in spinouts, buyouts and recapitalizations of established technology businesses. Vector identifies and pursues these complex investments in both the private and public markets. Vector actively partners with management teams to devise and execute new financial and business strategies that materially improve the competitive standing of these businesses and enhance their value for employees, customers and shareholders. Among Vector’s notable investments are LANDesk Software, Savi Technology, SafeNet, Corel Corporation (Nasdaq: CREL), Precise Software Solutions, Printronix, Register.com, Tripos, WinZip and Watchguard Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.vectorcapital.com/.

About Aladdin

Aladdin Knowledge Systems (NASDAQ: ALDN) is an information security leader with offices in 15 countries, a worldwide network of channel partners, and numerous awards for innovation. Aladdin eToken is the world’s #1 USB-based authentication solution, offering identity and access management tools that protect sensitive data. Aladdin SafeWord two-factor authentication technology protects companies’ important information assets and applications. Aladdin HASP SRM boosts growth for software developers and publishers through strong anti-piracy protection, IP protection, and secure licensing and product activation. Aladdin eSafe delivers real-time intelligent Web gateway security that helps protect data and networks, improves productivity, and enables compliance. Visit www.Aladdin.com.

Sumber: http://www.aladdin.com/PressReleases/post/Aladdin-Knowledge-Systems-Enters-Into-Merger-Agreement-with-Vector-Capital-Affiliate.aspx

Pembahasan:

Vector Capital adalah kumpulan dari perusahaan berbasis teknologi yang tergabung menjadi satu hak kepemilikan. Dengan knowledge yang dimiliki dalam bidang bisnis dan pemasaran, Vector Capital membantu meningkatkan keuntungan dari perusahaan-perusahaan tersebut.

Bergabungnya Alladin Knowledge Systems ke Vector Capital merupakan langkah penting baik bagi Vector maupun Alladin itu sendiri. Diharapkan dari akuisisi ini, Vector dapat memperluas jangkauan sektor bisnisnya dan Alladin mampu meningkatkan profitnya melalui fasilitas knowledge yang dimiliki Vector Capital dalam pemasaran dan pengelolaan saham.

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website