Williams adopts limited duration stockholder rights agreement

“Williams’ natural gas infrastructure focused strategy, fee-based business model across the best in class asset base, investment-grade credit ratings, strong balance sheet and ample liquidity are factors that well position the company to navigate through uncertainty in commodity markets and the broader economy. In light of the company’s strong position, the board wants to support the rights of shareholders and protect a fair value for their investment. We are witnessing a unique dislocation in equity market valuations, with particular impact to Williams’ equity value,” said Chairman of the Board Steve Bergstrom. “We do not believe the best interests of shareholders are served by allowing those seeking only short-term gains to take advantage of current market conditions at the expense of the company and its long-term investors.”

The adoption of the Rights Agreement is intended to enable all Williams stockholders to realise the full potential value of their investment in the company and to protect the interests of the company and its stockholders by reducing the likelihood that any person or group gains control of Williams through open market accumulation or other tactics (especially in recent volatile markets) without paying an appropriate control premium. The Williams Board of Directors has taken note that in light of the coronavirus and recent market events, the closing price of Williams common stock is, as of yesterday, 50% below the price just one month ago. In addition, the Rights Agreement provides the Board of Directors with time to make informed decisions that are in the best long-term interests of Williams and its stockholders and does not deter the Williams Board of Directors from considering any offer that is fair and otherwise in the best interest of Williams stockholders. Passive investors in Williams, meaning such persons holding shares of the common stock of Williams without a plan or an intent to change or influence the control of Williams (including Schedule 13G filers), are exempt from the Rights Agreement.

Under the Rights Agreement, the rights generally would become exercisable only if a person or group (including a group of persons who are acting in concert with each other) acquires beneficial ownership of 5% or more of Williams common stock in a transaction not approved by the Williams Board of Directors. In the event the rights under the Rights Agreement become exercisable, each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person or group, whose rights will become void and will not be exercisable) will have the right to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price and in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement, a number of shares of Williams common stock having a market value of twice such price. In addition, if Williams is acquired in a merger or other business combination after an acquiring person acquires 5% or more of Williams common stock, each holder of the right would thereafter have the right to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price and in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring person having a market value of twice such price. The acquiring person or group would not be entitled to exercise these Rights.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/24032020/williams-adopts-limited-duration-stockholder-rights-agreement/