SIMI VALLEY, CA — (Marketwired) — 06/12/13 — Qualstar Corporation (NASDAQ: QBAK), a manufacturer of data storage solutions and high-efficiency power supplies, today announced that it is has mailed the following letter to shareholders commenting on the latest attempt by BKF Capital Group, Inc. (OTCQB: BKFG), an entity controlled by Steven N. Bronson, to seek control of Qualstar without paying shareholders an appropriate control premium:
June 12, 2013
Dear Qualstar Shareholder:
As you decide how to vote at the upcoming 2013 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Qualstar Corporation to be held on June 28, 2013, ask yourself the following question:
:
BKF is a south Florida-based publicly-held, thinly-traded, shell company controlled by Mr. Bronson with three employees (including Mr. Bronson, who is not a full-time employee, and an intern).
BKF has no operating business and no revenues from operations. BKF-s principal assets consist of cash and investments, along with sizable net operating tax losses.
BKF has publicly warned its shareholders and other investors that it is currently facing the risk of being deemed an investment company and subjected to related restrictions.
BKF has also publicly warned its shareholders and other investors that were it to be deemed an investment company, it could face material adverse consequences if it were not able to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.
BKF needs to consummate an acquisition, merger or other business combination with a viable business entity (such as Qualstar) to avoid such material adverse consequences. For that reason, BKF has publicly stated that it is seeking to arrange an acquisition of a viable operating business having at least three years of operating history. BKF has also publicly stated that it is looking to acquire companies with unique value opportunities and/or acquiring a controlling position in such companies through equity purchases or debt financing.
BKF has publicly reported in its filings with the SEC that one of the purposes of its unsolicited, opportunistic, coercive, partial tender offer was to obtain a “controlling influence” over Qualstar.
Given the unsolicited, opportunistic and coercive nature of the partial tender offer launched and abruptly terminated by BKF earlier this year, your Board is very concerned that any such acquisition of Qualstar would, like BKF-s unsolicited, coercive, partial tender offer, be at an inadequate price intended to deprive fellow shareholders of the ability to participate in, and benefit from, the future growth and value potential of Qualstar.
Can that really be the case, when BKF and Mr. Bronson are, for the third time in 12 months, seeking control of your company without paying you an appropriate control premium?
Can that really be the case if, as your Board believes, BKF and Mr. Bronson are pursuing control of Qualstar as a first step in facilitating the acquisition of Qualstar by BKF?
Can that really be the case given BKF-s stated goal that it is looking to acquire companies with unique value opportunities and/or acquiring a controlling position in such companies through equity purchases or debt financing?
We believe that Qualstar represents the “unique value opportunity” that BKF has indicated it is looking for.
Can that really be the case when BKF needs to consummate an acquisition of a viable operating entity (such as Qualstar) to avoid the material adverse consequences BKF has publicly announced could result from being deemed a regulated investment company?
Can that really be the case given the recent unsolicited, coercive, opportunistic, partial tender offer made by BKF and Mr. Bronson where they publicly announced that they were seeking a “controlling influence” over Qualstar and were seeking to acquire Qualstar shares at the lowest possible price consistent with their objectives?
Can that really be the case if the ultimate goal of BKF and Mr. Bronson is to acquire your shares at the lowest possible price which was their publicly stated goal when they launched their unsolicited, coercive, opportunistic, partial tender offer and made it clear the offer price was set consistent with the “objectives” of BKF and Mr. Bronson?
Can that really be the case if the ultimate goal of BKF and Mr. Bronson is to deprive you of the ability to benefit from the future growth and value potential of Qualstar (as BKF and Mr. Bronson attempted to do to any shareholders who would have tendered into their unsolicited, coercive, opportunistic, partial tender offer)?
We believe that BKF and Mr. Bronson are attempting to opportunistically take control of Qualstar, without paying shareholders a control premium, before the market recognizes Qualstar-s potential for growth and value creation as Qualstar-s transformation continues.
We can also appreciate why BKF and Mr. Bronson might view it to be in their best interest to take control of Qualstar now before the investments we are making, under our new Chief Executive Officer, new management team and our strong, independent Board leadership, are reflected in our financial results and stock price.
Then why do BKF and Mr. Bronson refuse to support your Board in its efforts to transform Qualstar from being a high overhead, low margin, manufacturing-based company to a highly scalable, high margin, low overhead business that is positioned to expand its presence significantly in both the big data storage and distributed power supply markets and, thereby, create a platform for long-term growth, sustainable profitability, market leadership and increasing returns for investors?
Then why, last June, did BKF and Mr. Bronson launch a costly, distracting, and disruptive proxy contest to take control of Qualstar at a special meeting of shareholders, just as Qualstar-s transformation was getting underway, that caused Qualstar to spend more than $500,000 before BKF and Mr. Bronson were rebuffed by shareholders?
Then why did BKF and Mr. Bronson launch an unsolicited, coercive, partial tender offer against Qualstar, which not only disrupted Qualstar-s business and revenues but caused Qualstar to spend over $600,000 before BKF abruptly abandoned it, just hours before your Board would have filed documents with the SEC informing you why it believed this coercive, partial tender offer was inadequate and not in the best interests of shareholders?
Then why are BKF and Mr. Bronson pursuing yet another costly, distracting, and disruptive proxy contest, despite our numerous attempts to reach an amicable settlement, that will cause Qualstar to spend approximately $500,000 more this year for its annual meeting than it normally would spend in the absence of a proxy contest, resources that could have been better devoted to our ongoing efforts to transform Qualstar?
Then why have BKF and Mr. Bronson indicated in their proxy statement that, if they are successful in having their hand-picked nominees elected to your Board, they expect Qualstar to reimburse them for their expenses incurred in bringing their costly, distracting, and disruptive proxy contest that only serves to advance their self-interested agenda of taking control of Qualstar?
Can that really be the case given the recent attempt by BKF and Mr. Bronson to engage in a coercive, opportunistic, partial tender offer at an inadequate price which would have left the holders of more than half of Qualstar-s shares with a less liquid security and limited trading market for their shares (a fact which BKF disclosed in its tender offer filings with the SEC)?
Can that really been the case when, despite the numerous attempts that Qualstar made to reach a reasonable settlement and avoid a proxy contest, BKF and Mr. Bronson have refused to drop their disruptive and costly proxy contest so that Qualstar-s management can move beyond this unnecessary distraction and return its full attention to delivering on Qualstar-s very significant potential and enhancing value for ALL Qualstar shareholders?
Can that really be the case given the adamant opposition that the BKF Group has expressed to the shareholder-friendly rights plan adopted by Qualstar-s Board, which is intended to, among other purposes, preserve the ability of a Board to enhance value for the benefit of ALL shareholders and ensure that ALL shareholders receive the highest price for their shares?
Then why did BKF and Mr. Bronson include, in their slate of handpicked nominees, two nominees, Sean Leder and David Wolenski, who have long-standing relationships with Mr. Bronson?
Then why did BKF and Mr. Bronson include, in their slate of handpicked nominees, Mr. Bronson, given the potential conflicts of interest he would need to address if BKF was to pursue an acquisition of Qualstar, taking into consideration his stated goal to have BKF acquire Qualstar shares at the lowest possible price consistent with his objectives?
Can that really be the case given that, over the last year, your Board has already been significantly enhanced with the addition of three highly-qualified and experienced independent directors , all of whom have been recommended by your Board for re-election at the 2013 Annual Meeting?
Can that really be the case given that, over the past year, your Board has appointed , who brings to Qualstar over 30 years of experience with private and public companies, including previous service as the Chairman of the Board of a publicly-held technology company, to serve as your Board-s independent, non-executive Chairman and provide your Board with strong new, independent leadership?
Can that really be the case given that, if you elect your Board-s highly qualified and very experienced nominees — , the entire membership of your Board, other than Mr. Firestone, our Chief Executive Officer, will have been replaced since the 2012 Annual Meeting?
Can that really be the case if the ultimate goal of BKF and Mr. Bronson is to acquire your shares at the lowest possible price which was their publicly stated goal when they launched their unsolicited, coercive, opportunistic, partial tender offer and made it clear the offer price was set consistent with the “objectives” of BKF and Mr. Bronson?
If Qualstar is correct in its belief that BKF has an undisclosed plan to acquire Qualstar to avoid being deemed a regulated investment company, shareholders should ask themselves how a Board composed of BKF-s handpicked nominees would respond in the event that BKF was to again make a partial tender offer or even an offer for all Qualstar shares. In the proxy statement you will receive from BKF, BKF-s nominees and the other participants make it abundantly clear that they disagree with the “paternalistic” actions your Board took to protect the interests of shareholders against the actions of BKF-s unsolicited, opportunistic, coercive, partial tender offer.
Then why have BKF and Mr. Bronson, despite their numerous discussions with Qualstar (including the numerous attempts made by Qualstar to settle the proxy contest), never suggested or recommended to Qualstar that it initiate a competitive process to explore the sale of the company to a third party (particularly, a party other than BKF)?
Shareholders should consider whether they believe BKF-s nominees, if elected to the Qualstar Board, would conduct a review of strategic alternatives in a manner intended to result in a competitive sales process prior to the signing of any definitive acquisition agreement (as opposed to a post-signing market-check) and require BKF, as a potential bidder for Qualstar, to compete on a level-playing field with other potential bidders for Qualstar.
You decide for yourself what is the true agenda of BKF and its controlling shareholder, Steven N. Bronson. If you don-t want to support the undisclosed, self-interested agenda of BKF and Mr. Bronson, elect your Board-s highly qualified, experienced, dedicated nominees on the proxy card TODAY.
This proxy contest ultimately comes down to one simple question. You have a choice between electing:
Qualstar-s highly-qualified and very experienced Board nominees who are completely aligned with the best interests of ALL shareholders, are committed to ensuring that ALL shareholders have the ability to participate in, and benefit from, the future growth and value potential of Qualstar and have a proven record of protecting ALL Qualstar-s shareholders from abusive or coercive takeover tactics such as those previously used by BKF and Mr. Bronson;
OR
The hand-picked nominees of BKF and Mr. Bronson, taking into consideration the stated objectives of BKF and Mr. Bronson to obtain control of Qualstar and acquire Qualstar-s shares at the lowest price possible consistent with their objectives.
To vote your shares, please vote TODAY by signing, dating and returning the proxy card in. You may also vote by phone or Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card. , Mackenzie Partners, Inc., at (800) 322-2885 (Toll Free) or at (212) 929-5500.
We appreciate your continued support as we work to protect your investment and create value for all Qualstar shareholders. We look forward to communicating further with you in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Lawrence D. Firestone
Chief Executive Officer and President
Allen H. Alley
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Qualstar, founded in 1984, is a diversified electronics manufacturer specializing in data storage and power supplies. Qualstar-s products are known throughout the world for high quality and Simply Reliable designs that provide years of trouble-free service. More information is available at or or by phone at 805-583-7744.
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to expectations, plans or prospects for Qualstar Corporation that are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of Qualstar-s management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Notwithstanding changes that may occur with respect to matters relating to any forward looking statements, Qualstar does not expect to, and disclaims any obligation to, publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Qualstar, however, reserves the right to update such statements or any portion thereof at any time for any reason. In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause actual or future results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements: Qualstar-s ability to successfully execute on its strategic plan and meet its long-term financial goals; Qualstar-s ability to successfully implement and recognize cost savings; Qualstar-s ability to develop and commercialize new products; industry and customer adoption and acceptance of Qualstar-s new products; Qualstar-s ability to increase sales of its products; the rescheduling or cancellation of customer orders; unexpected shortages of critical components; unexpected product design or quality problems; adverse changes in market demand for Qualstar-s products; increased global competition and pricing pressure on Qualstar-s products; and the risks related to actions of activist shareholders, including the amount of related costs.
For further information on these and other and other cautionary statements, please refer to the risk factors discussed in Qualstar-s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, Qualstar-s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, the “Management-s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of such Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed reports. All documents also are available without charge through the SEC-s website () or from Qualstar-s website ().
In connection with its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Qualstar has filed a definitive proxy statement and a proxy card with the SEC on June 4, 2013, and has mailed the definitive proxy statement and proxy card to its shareholders. WE URGE INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROXY CARD FOR THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS (INCLUDING ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT QUALSTAR WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the definitive proxy statement and any other documents filed by Qualstar with the SEC in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting at the SEC-s website (), at Qualstar-s website () or by writing to Mr. Lawrence D. Firestone, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualstar Corporation, 3990-B Heritage Oak Court, Simi Valley, CA 93063. In addition, copies of the definitive proxy materials may be requested from the Company-s proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 105 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or toll-free at (800) 322-2885.
Qualstar, its directors, nominees for director and certain officers, employees and other persons are deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Information regarding the interests of such participants is included in the definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents filed and to be filed by Qualstar with the SEC in connection with the proxy solicitation.
Mark H. Harnett / Paul Schulman
MacKenzie Partners, Inc.
(212) 929-5500
Vanessa Lehr/Annie Leschin
Investor Relations
StreetSmart Investor Relations
(415) 775-1788
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