Applica Incorporated
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the registrant x
Filed by a party other than the registrant o
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary proxy statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Revised definitive proxy statement |
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Definitive additional materials |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
APPLICA
INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
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(1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(2)
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3)
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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(4)
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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(5)
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify
the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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(1)
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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(3)
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Filing Party: |
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Date Filed: |
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14D-9
(RULE 14d-101)
SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 14(d)(4)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Amendment No. 7)
Applica Incorporated
(Name of Subject Company)
Applica Incorporated
(Name of Person(s) Filing Statement)
Common Stock, Par Value $0.10 Per Share
(Title of Class of Securities)
03815A106
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
Harry D. Schulman
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Applica Incorporated
3633 Flamingo Road
Miramar, Florida 33027
(954) 883-1000
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive
Notices and Communications on Behalf of the Person(s) Filing Statement)
Copies To:
Ira N. Rosner, Esq.
Barbara J. Oikle, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, P.A.
1221 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: (305) 579-0500
Facsimile: (305) 961-5844
o Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a tender offer.
PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
This Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 14D-9 amends and supplements the Solicitation/Recommendation
Statement on Schedule 14D-9 originally filed by Applica with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on December 19, 2006, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 14D-9, which was filed by Applica
with the SEC on December 21, 2006, by Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 14D-9, which was filed by Applica
with the SEC on December 22, 2006, by Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 14D-9, which was filed by Applica
with the SEC on December 28, 2006, by Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 14D-9, which was also filed by
Applica with the SEC on December 28, 2006, by Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 14D-9, which was filed by
Applica with the SEC on January 4, 2007, and by Amendment
No. 6 to Schedule 14D-9, which was also filed
by Applica with the SEC on January 4, 2007. Except as otherwise indicated, the information set
forth in the original Schedule 14D-9 and previous amendments thereto remains unchanged. Capitalized
terms that appear herein but are not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the
original Schedule 14D-9.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
This document has been made available to shareholders of Applica. Investors are urged to read
the original Schedule 14D-9, as amended by Amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 thereto and this
Amendment No. 7, as it contains important information. The original Schedule 14D-9, as amended, and
other public filings made from time to time by Applica with the SEC are available without charge
from the SECs website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed with the SEC may be
obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Applica Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road,
Miramar, Florida 33027, Attention: Investor Relations (954) 883-1000, or from Applicas website at
www.applicainc.com.
Item 2. Identity and Background of Filing Person.
The first paragraph of Item 2(b) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as
follows:
(b) This Statement relates to the tender offer by Apex Acquisition Corporation, or NACCO Sub,
which is a newly formed Florida corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of NACCO
Industries, Inc., or NACCO, which is a Delaware corporation, to purchase all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Applicas common stock at a purchase price of $7.90 per share, net to the
seller in cash, without interest. The tender offer is being made on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and the exhibits thereto filed by
NACCO and NACCO Sub with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2006, as amended by
NACCO and NACCO Sub on December 18, 2006, December 21, 2006, December 26, 2006 January 3, 2007, and
January 9, 2007. The value of the consideration offered, together with all of the terms and
conditions applicable to the tender offer, is referred to in this Statement as the NACCO offer. The
Schedule TO states that NACCO intends, as soon as practicable after successful completion of the
NACCO offer, to seek to have NACCO Sub merge with and into Applica in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act, or the FBCA.
Item 3. Past Contacts, Transactions, Negotiations and Agreements.
The first paragraph under the subheading Cash Consideration Payable Pursuant to the NACCO
Offer in Item 3(a) is hereby amended as follows:
The amount $21,343,383.75 in the last line of such paragraph is replaced with the amount
$21,756,481.50.
The third paragraph under the subheading Cash Consideration Payable Pursuant to the NACCO
Offer in Item 3(a) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
As of November 27, 2006, Applicas directors and executive officers held options to purchase
842,500 shares of Applicas common stock, 623,667 of which were vested and exercisable as of that
date. The outstanding options have exercise prices ranging from $2.86 to $31.6875 and an aggregate
weighted average exercise price of $5.08 per share. Of the total options outstanding as of November
27, 2006, options to purchase 772,000 shares of Applicas common stock had
exercise prices that were less than NACCOs $7.90 offer price, 549,667 of which
were vested and exercisable as of November 27, 2006. The weighted average exercise price of these
in the money options was $4.32. All of the unvested options would fully vest
upon the consummation of the NACCO offer pursuant to the terms of Applicas 1988 Directors Stock
Option Plan, 1992 Employees Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1996 Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Stock
Option Plan and the 2000 Stock Option Plan.
2
Item 4. The Solicitation or Recommendation.
Item 4(a) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
The Applica board has not changed its recommendation that Applica shareholders vote FOR the
adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of December 14, 2006, Amendment No. 2 thereto, dated as of December 22, 2006, Amendment No. 3 thereto, dated as of December 27, 2006, and by Amendment No. 4 thereto, dated as of January 3, 2007, among Applica and certain affiliates of Harbinger Capital Partners Master
Fund I, Ltd., which are collectively referred to in this statement as Harbinger.
The NACCO offer is under review by the Applica board
and Applica will advise its shareholders of the results of that review as soon as possible.
Applica requests that its shareholders defer making a determination whether to accept or reject
such amended NACCO offer until they have been advised of the Applica boards position.
The Applica board recommends that, even if a shareholder does not vote with respect to the
Harbinger merger agreement at this time, that such shareholder vote FOR the proposal to adjourn
or postpone the special meeting of Applicas shareholders, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are insufficient shares present or represented at the meeting to
constitute a quorum or insufficient votes at the time of the meeting to adopt the Harbinger merger
agreement or because the board, in its judgment, determines that an adjournment is required by law
or is otherwise in the best interests of Applica and its shareholders. The ability to adjourn or
postpone the special meeting will give the Applica board the flexibility to preserve the existing
transaction with Harbinger should the vote not be obtained by January 17, 2007.
Item 4(b) is hereby amended and supplemented by the addition of the following paragraphs as
the final paragraphs thereto:
On January 9, 2007, NACCO publicly announced that it had increased the per share offer price
of the NACCO offer to $7.90, net to the seller in cash, without interest, and amended the Schedule
TO accordingly. In accordance with the terms of the Harbinger merger agreement, Applica promptly
notified Harbinger on January 9, 2007 of NACCOs amended offer price.
On January 9, 2007, the Applica board held a meeting and discussed the offers from NACCO and
Harbinger and its obligations under the Harbinger merger agreement. The meeting was attended by
Applicas senior management and legal and financial advisors, as well as a representative of the
Applica boards independent legal counsel. At the meeting, the Applica board also discussed with
the legal advisors the provisions of the Harbinger merger agreement relating to competing
transactions. During the evening of January 9, 2007, Applica sent
NACCO a letter reiterating the boards determination that NACCOs offer, as currently structured,
fails to provide sufficient certainty of completion and demanding that NACCO inform the board not
later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 11, 2007, whether it is willing to amend its
offer to remedy these concerns.
During the evening on January 9, 2007, Applica notified Harbingers legal advisor in writing
that the Applica board had taken these steps.
Applica convened the special meeting at
11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 10, 2007, as previously scheduled, and adjourned the
special meeting until 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, without a
vote on any proposal other than an adjournment. The proposal to adopt the Harbinger merger agreement will be submitted to a vote of Applicas
shareholders at the reconvened meeting. The reconvened meeting will
have the same record date of November 27, 2006.
Item 4(c) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
The Applica board has not changed its recommendation that Applica shareholders vote FOR the
adoption of the Harbinger merger agreement.
The NACCO offer is under review by Applicas board of
directors and Applica will advise its shareholders of the results of that review as soon as
possible. Applica requests that its shareholders defer making a determination whether to accept or
reject such amended NACCO offer until they have been advised of the Applica boards position.
The Applica board reserves the right to revise its recommendation in the event of changed
circumstances, if any. Any such change in the recommendation of the Applica board will be
communicated to shareholders as promptly as practicable in the event that such a determination is
reached.
3
Applica shareholders who have voted FOR adoption of the adoption of the Harbinger merger
agreement can change their vote at any time prior to the special meeting on January 17, 2007 by:
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Delivering a written notice to the corporate secretary of Applica before such
special meeting that states that he or she revokes his or her proxy; |
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Delivering a signed and later dated new proxy card before such special meeting
in accordance with the instructions included with the proxy card; or |
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Attending the special meeting and voting in person. |
Applica shareholders retain the ability to tender their shares into the NACCO offer
irrespective of whether or not they choose to revoke a previously executed proxy until January 23,
2007.
Item 8.
Additional Information.
Item
8(a) is hereby amended and supplemented by the
addition of the following new paragraph as the final paragraph under
the Litigation heading:
On
January 10, 2007, NACCO voluntarily dismissed, without
prejudice, its complaint against Applica, Harbinger Capital Partners
and certain of its affiliates, filed in the United States District
Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.
Item 9. Exhibits.
Item 9 is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
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Exhibit
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No. |
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Document |
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(a)(1)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 19, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(1) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006) |
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(a)(2)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 19, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(2) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006)* |
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(a)(3)
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Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to consider the Harbinger merger, as supplemented on December 15, 2006,
December 22, 2006, December 28, 2006 and January 5, 2007 (filed with the SEC on December
4, 2006, as supplemented on December 15, 2006, December 22, 2006, December 28, 2006 and
January 5, 2007, and incorporated by reference) |
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(a)(4)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 21,
2006)* |
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(a)(5)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(5) of Amendment No. 2 to Applicas Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on
Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on December 22, 2006) |
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(a)(6)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC December 22,
2006)* |
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(a)(7)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(7) of Amendment No. 3 to Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on
Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006) |
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(a)(8)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 27, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2006)* |
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(a)(9)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
Applicas Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006)* |
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(a)(10)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to exhibit
99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2007)*
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(a)(11)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated January 4, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(11) of Amendment No. 6 to Applicas
Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on January 4, 2007) |
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(a)(12)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 4, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Applicas Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on January 4, 2007) |
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(a)(13)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 9, 2007+ |
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(a)(14)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 10, 2007+ |
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(e)(1)
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Excerpts from Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 31, 2006
relating to the Applica 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (e)(1) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006) |
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(e)(2)
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Excerpts from Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed relating to the
Special Meeting of Shareholders to consider Applicas proposed merger with Harbinger
Capital Partners (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(2) of Applicas
Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed with the SEC on December
19, 2006) |
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(e)(3)
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Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2004 between Applica and Harry D. Schulman
(incorporated by reference to Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
October 15, 2004) |
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(e)(4)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated August 2, 1999 between Applica and Harry D.
Schulman (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on October 15, 2004) |
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(e)(5)
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Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2000 between Applica and Terry Polistina (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Applicas Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2000 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2000) |
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(e)(6)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2000 between Applica and Terry
Polistina (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of Applicas Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2006) |
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(e)(7)
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Employment Agreement dated September 16, 2004 between Applica and Brian Guptill
(incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 of Applicas Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
with the SEC on March 16, 2005) |
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(e)(8)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated September 16, 2004 between Applica and
Brian Guptill (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2006) |
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(e)(9)
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Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between HB-PS Holding Company, Inc. and Applica
Incorporated and joined in by NACCO Industries, Inc. dated July 23, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
July 26, 2006) |
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(e)(10)
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Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding
Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica Incorporated (incorporated by reference
to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 20,
2006) |
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(e)(11)
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Amendment No. 1, dated December 14, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2006) |
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(e)(12)
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Amendment No. 2, dated December 22, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 22, 2006) |
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(e)(13)
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Amendment No. 3, dated December 27, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2006) |
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(e)(14)
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Excerpts from the Third Supplement to Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(14)
of Amendment No. 3 to Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9
filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006) |
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(e)(15)
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Amendment No. 4, dated January 3, 2007, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2007) |
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(e)(16)
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Excerpts from the Fourth Supplement to Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed with the SEC on January 5, 2007 (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(16)
of Amendment No. 6 to Applicas Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on Schedule
14D-9/A filed with the SEC on January 5, 2007) |
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(g)
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Inapplicable |
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* |
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This press release contains a legend that makes reference to the protections afforded by the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please note that the protections afforded by
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not extend to forward-looking
statements made in connection with the NACCO offer. |
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Filed as an exhibit hereto and included in the Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 14D-9 mailed to
Applicas shareholders. |
6
SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information
set forth in this Amendment No. 7 is true, complete and correct.
January 10, 2007
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APPLICA INCORPORATED
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By: |
/s/ Harry D. Schulman
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Name: |
Harry D. Schulman |
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Title: |
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer |
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7
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit
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No. |
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Document |
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(a)(1)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 19, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(1) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006) |
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(a)(2)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 19, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(2) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006)* |
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(a)(3)
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Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to consider the Harbinger merger, as supplemented on December 15, 2006,
December 22, 2006, December 28, 2006 and January 5, 2007 (filed with the SEC on December
4, 2006, as supplemented on December 15, 2006, December 22, 2006, December 28, 2006 and
January 5, 2007, and incorporated by reference) |
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(a)(4)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 21,
2006)* |
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(a)(5)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(5) of Amendment No. 2 to Applicas Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on
Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on December 22, 2006) |
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(a)(6)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC December 22,
2006)* |
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(a)(7)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(7) of Amendment No. 3 to Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on
Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006) |
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(a)(8)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 27, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit 99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 27, 2006)* |
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(a)(9)
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Press release issued by Applica on December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
Applicas Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006)* |
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(a)(10)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to exhibit
99.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2007)*
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(a)(11)
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Letter to Applicas shareholders dated January 4, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (a)(11) of Amendment No. 6 to Applicas Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9/A filed with the SEC on January 4, 2007) |
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(a)(12)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 4, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Applicas Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on January 4, 2007) |
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(a)(13)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 9, 2007+ |
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(a)(14)
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Press release issued by Applica on January 10, 2007+ |
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(e)(1)
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Excerpts from Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 31, 2006
relating to the Applica 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (incorporated by reference to
exhibit (e)(1) of Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2006) |
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(e)(2)
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Excerpts from Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed relating to the
Special Meeting of Shareholders to consider Applicas proposed merger with Harbinger
Capital Partners (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(2) of Applicas
Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed with the SEC on December
19, 2006) |
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(e)(3)
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Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2004 between Applica and Harry D. Schulman
(incorporated by reference to Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
October 15, 2004) |
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(e)(4)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated August 2, 1999 between Applica and Harry D.
Schulman (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on October 15, 2004) |
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(e)(5)
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Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2000 between Applica and Terry Polistina (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Applicas Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2000 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2000) |
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(e)(6)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2000 between Applica and Terry
Polistina (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of Applicas Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2006) |
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(e)(7)
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Employment Agreement dated September 16, 2004 between Applica and Brian Guptill
(incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 of Applicas Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
with the SEC on March 16, 2005) |
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(e)(8)
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First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated September 16, 2004 between Applica and
Brian Guptill (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 19, 2006) |
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(e)(9)
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Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between HB-PS Holding Company, Inc. and Applica
Incorporated and joined in by NACCO Industries, Inc. dated July 23, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on
July 26, 2006) |
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(e)(10)
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Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding
Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica Incorporated (incorporated by reference
to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 20,
2006) |
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(e)(11)
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Amendment No. 1, dated December 14, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2006) |
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(e)(12)
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Amendment No. 2, dated December 22, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 22, 2006) |
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(e)(13)
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Amendment No. 3, dated December 27, 2006, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2006) |
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(e)(14)
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Excerpts from the Third Supplement to Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(14)
of Amendment No. 3 to Applicas Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9
filed with the SEC on December 28, 2006) |
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(e)(15)
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Amendment No. 4, dated January 3, 2007, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
October 19, 2006 by and among APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., and Applica
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 of Applicas Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2007) |
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(e)(16)
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Excerpts from the Fourth Supplement to Applicas Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed with the SEC on January 5, 2007 (incorporated by reference to exhibit (e)(16)
of Amendment No. 6 to Applicas Solicitation/ Recommendation Statement on Schedule
14D-9/A filed with the SEC on January 5, 2007) |
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(g)
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Inapplicable |
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* |
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This press release contains a legend that makes reference to the protections afforded by the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please note that the protections afforded by
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not extend to forward-looking
statements made in connection with the NACCO offer. |
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Filed as an exhibit hereto and included in the Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 14D-9 mailed to
Applicas shareholders. |
9
Exhibit(a)(13)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact:
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Investor Relations Department
(954) 883-1000
investor.relations@applicamail.com |
SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO APPROVE MERGER AGREEMENT TO BE
ADJOURNED AND RECONVENED ON JANUARY 17, 2007
Miramar, Florida (January 9, 2007) Applica Incorporated (NYSE: APN) today announced that it
will convene the special meeting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 10, 2007, as
previously scheduled, and adjourn the special meeting until 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on
Wednesday, January 17, 2007, without a vote on any proposal other than an adjournment. The
proposals to be considered at the special meeting will be submitted to a vote of Applicas
shareholders at the reconvened meeting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 17, 2007.
The record date for the reconvened meeting will remain November 27, 2006.
The decision to adjourn the meeting followed an increase to $7.90 per share of the price of
the unsolicited tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Applicas common stock that was
commenced by Apex Acquisition Corporation, a newly formed Florida corporation and an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of NACCO Industries, Inc.
The Applica board has not changed its recommendation that Applica shareholders vote FOR the
adoption of the amended merger agreement between Applica and affiliates of Harbinger Capital
Partners. The amended NACCO offer is under review by Applicas board of directors and Applica will
advise its shareholders of the results of that review as soon as possible. Applica requests that
its shareholders defer making a determination whether to accept or reject such amended NACCO offer
until they have been advised of the Applica boards position.
Applica and its subsidiaries are marketers and distributors of a broad range of branded and
private-label small household appliances. Applica markets and distributes kitchen products, home
products, pest control products, pet care products and personal care products. Applica markets
products under licensed brand names, such as Black & Decker®; its own brand names, such as
Windmere®, LitterMaid®, Belson® and Applica®; and other private-label brand names. Applicas
customers include mass merchandisers, specialty retailers and appliance distributors primarily in
North America, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Additional information about Applica is
available at www.applicainc.com.
In connection with the proposed transaction with Harbinger Capital Partners, Applica has filed
a definitive proxy statement, proxy supplements, a Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement and
amendments thereto with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read the definitive
proxy statement, the proxy supplements, the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement, the amendments
thereto and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed
transaction because they contain important information about Applica, the proposed transaction with
Harbinger Capital Partners, the NACCO tender offer and related matters. The definitive proxy
statement, several proxy supplements, the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement and several
amendments thereto have been mailed to Applica shareholders and a supplement and amended Schedule
14d-9 recommendation statement will be mailed to Applicas shareholders.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as they become
available through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents
filed with the SEC may be obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Applica
Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027, Attention: Investor Relations ((954)
883-1000), or from Applica Incorporateds website at www.applicainc.com.
Applica Incorporated and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of
Applica management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Applica
shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of these
officers and directors in the proposed transaction has been included in the proxy statement filed
with the SEC. In addition, information about Applicas directors, executive officers and members of
management is contained in Applicas most recent proxy statement and annual report on Form 10-K,
which are available on Applicas website and at www.sec.gov.
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Black & Decker® is a trademark of The Black & Decker Corporation, Towson, Maryland. |
Exhibit(a)(14)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact:
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Investor Relations Department
(954) 883-1000
investor.relations@applicamail.com |
Special Meeting of Applicas Shareholders to
Reconvene on January 17, 2007
Miramar, Florida (January 10, 2007) Applica Incorporated (NYSE: APN) today announced that,
as previously planned and announced, its special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held at
11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time today to vote on the merger agreement with affiliates of Harbinger
Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P.
(together, Harbinger Capital Partners) was convened and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Eastern
Standard Time on January 17, 2007, without a vote on any proposal other than the adjournment. The
proposal to adopt the Harbinger Capital Partners merger agreement, under which Harbinger Capital
Partners would acquire all outstanding shares of Applica that it does not currently own for $7.75
per share in cash, without interest, will be submitted to a vote of Applicas shareholders at the
reconvened meeting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 17, 2007, subject to any further
adjournment. The record date for the reconvened meeting will remain November 27, 2006.
The decision to adjourn the meeting followed an increase to $7.90 per share of the price of
the unsolicited tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Applicas common stock that was
commenced by Apex Acquisition Corporation, a newly formed Florida corporation and an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of NACCO Industries, Inc.
The Applica board has not changed its recommendation that Applica shareholders vote FOR the
adoption of the merger agreement between Applica and affiliates of Harbinger Capital Partners. The
amended NACCO offer is under review by Applicas board of directors and Applica will advise its
shareholders of the results of that review as soon as possible. Applica requests that its
shareholders defer making a determination whether to accept or reject such amended NACCO offer
until they have been advised of the Applica boards position.
Shareholders may submit their proxies to vote their shares on the proposals until 11:00 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time on January 17, 2007. In order to vote their shares in favor of the Harbinger
Capital Partners agreement, shareholders should complete, date, sign and return the proxy card
enclosed with the previously distributed definitive proxy statement as soon as possible.
Shareholders who have any questions about the definitive proxy statement, the proxy supplements
thereto, the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement, the amendments thereto, the amended merger
agreement or the merger, or who need assistance with the voting procedures, should contact
Applicas proxy solicitor, Georgeson Inc., at 17 State Street, New York, New York 10004 or call
toll-free at (866) 857-2624.
About Applica Incorporated:
Applica and its subsidiaries are marketers and distributors of a broad range of branded and
private-label small household appliances. Applica markets and distributes kitchen products, home
products, pest control products, pet care products and personal care products. Applica markets
products under licensed brand names, such as Black & Decker®; its own brand names, such
as Windmere®, LitterMaid®, Belson® and Applica®; and
other private-label brand names. Applicas customers include mass merchandisers, specialty
retailers and appliance distributors primarily in North America, Mexico, Latin America and the
Caribbean. Additional information about Applica is available at www.applicainc.com.
About Harbinger Capital Partners:
The Harbinger Capital Partners investment team located in New York City manages in excess of
$4 billion in capital through two complementary strategies. Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund
I, Ltd. is focused on restructurings, liquidations, event-driven situations, turnarounds and
capital structure arbitrage, including both long and short positions in highly leveraged and
financially distressed companies. Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. is
focused on distressed debt securities, special situation equities and private loans/notes in a
predominantly long-only strategy.
* * * * *
The statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks
and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in
these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Applica undertakes no
obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
that arise after the date hereof. Among the factors that could cause plans, actions and results to
differ materially from current expectations are, without limitation:
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the failure to obtain approval of the merger from Applica shareholders; |
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disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain relationships with
customers, employees or suppliers; |
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claims by NACCO Industries, Inc. and HB-PS Holding Company, Inc. related to the
termination of their merger agreement with Applica; |
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changes in the sales prices, product mix or levels of consumer purchases of small
household appliances; |
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bankruptcy of or loss of major retail customers or suppliers; |
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changes in costs, including transportation costs, of raw materials, key component
parts or sourced products; |
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fluctuation of the Chinese currency; |
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delays in delivery or the unavailability of raw materials, key component parts or
sourced products; |
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changes in suppliers; |
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exchange rate fluctuations, changes in the foreign import tariffs and monetary
policies, and other changes in the regulatory climate in the foreign countries in which
Applica buys, operates and/or sell products; |
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product liability, regulatory actions or other litigation, warranty claims or
returns of products; |
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customer acceptance of changes in costs of, or delays in the development of new
products; |
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increased competition, including consolidation within the industry; and |
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other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Applicas Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. |
In connection with the proposed transaction with Harbinger Capital Partners, Applica has filed
a definitive proxy statement, proxy supplements, a Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement and
amendments thereto with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read the definitive
proxy statement, the proxy supplements, the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement, the amendments
thereto and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed
transaction because they contain important information about Applica, the proposed transaction with
Harbinger Capital Partners, the NACCO tender offer and related matters. The definitive proxy
statement, several proxy supplements, the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement and several
amendments thereto have been mailed to Applica shareholders and a supplement and an amended
Schedule 14d-9 recommendation statement will be mailed to Applicas shareholders.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as they become
available through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents
filed with the SEC may be obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Applica
Incorporated, 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027, Attention: Investor Relations ((954)
883-1000), or from Applica Incorporateds website at www.applicainc.com.
Applica Incorporated and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of
Applica management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Applica
shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of these
officers and directors in the proposed transaction has been included in the proxy statement filed
with the SEC. In addition, information about Applicas directors, executive officers and members of
management is contained in Applicas most recent proxy statement and annual report on Form 10-K,
which are available on Applicas website and at www.sec.gov.
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Black & Decker® is a trademark of The Black & Decker Corporation, Towson, Maryland. |