DFAN14/A Definitive Additional Materials
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
infoUSA
Inc.
(Name
of
Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Dolphin
Limited Partnership I, L.P.
Dolphin
Financial Partners, L.L.C.
(Name
of
Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/
No
fee required.
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/ Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
(1) |
Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
|
Common
Stock, $.0025 par value
(2) |
Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies:
|
(3) |
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):
|
(4) |
Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
/
/ Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials.
/
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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.
(1) |
Amount
Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement
No.:
|
Timeline:
The Story of the Abrupt Termination of the Special
Committee
The
story
of Mr. Vinod Gupta's opportunistic and undervalued $11.75 bid to purchase
shares
of infoUSA and the abrupt termination of the Special Committee formed to
evaluate the Gupta proposal and other strategic alternatives. Think of the
expense of the Company's response to this failed bid and what it must have
cost
infoUSA shareholders.
Date
|
Title
|
03/15/05
|
On
March 15, 2005, infoUSA announces that Mr. Vinod Gupta purchases
shares of
the Company and quotes him saying that he believes that "infoUSA
stock is
worth in excess of $18 per share."
|
06/08/05
|
On
June 8, 2005, infoUSA announces that its fiscal 2005 earnings
will be
lower than previously announced.
|
06/13/05
|
On
June 13, 2005, infoUSA announces that Mr. Vinod Gupta offers
to purchase
all the outstanding shares of infoUSA for $11.75 per share--less
than a
week after infoUSA lowered its earnings forecast and only three
months
after he stated that he believed infoUSA stock was worth in excess
of $18
per share.
|
06/14/05
|
On
June 14, 2005, minutes of a meeting of the board of directors
of infoUSA
record the establishment by the board of a Special Committee
to
"negotiate, approve or reject the Proposal" and "in its sole
discretion,
to solicit, negotiate, approve or reject alternate proposals."
According
to the minutes, the Special Committee was "delegated authority
to take all
actions of this Board of Directors with respect to the Proposal"
and
related matters. When Mr. Vinod Gupta did not like the direction
of the
Special Committee, he voted to disband it.
|
06/21/05
|
On
June 21, 2005, the minutes of the very first meeting of the Special
Committee record the recommendation of the advisors of the Special
Committee that Mr. Vinod Gupta be required to "enter into a standstill
agreement or to amend the shareholder rights plan to prevent
Mr. Gupta
from increasing his ownership interest in the Company while the
Committee
is considering the Proposal."
|
06/24/05
|
On
June 24, 2005, infoUSA announces that it has formed the Special
Committee
of independent directors to "carefully review Mr. Vinod Gupta's
proposal
and potential alternatives."
|
08/23/05
|
On
August 23, 2005, minutes of a Special Committee meeting record
the Special
Committee's conclusions that Mr. Vinod Gupta's proposal "undervalues"
infoUSA and that the proposal required a "market check."
|
08/25/05
|
On
August 25, 2005, infoUSA announces that Mr. Vinod Gupta withdrew
his
proposal and that the Special Committee would continue to "explore
a range
of strategic alternatives."
|
08/26/05
|
On
August 26, 2005--just one day after announcing that the Special
Committee
would continue exploring strategic alternatives--infoUSA board
meeting
minutes record the board dissolving the Special Committee by
a divided
vote in which Mr. Vinod Gupta and Dr. George Haddix, both Company
nominees
for election at the 2006 annual shareholders meeting, voted to
terminate
the Special Committee. Company nominee, Dr. Vasant Raval, abstained
from
the vote.
|
08/26/05
|
On
August 26, 2005, infoUSA announces the abrupt dissolution of
the Special
Committee.
|
FOR
Immediate release
DOLPHIN
RELEASES infoUSA
BOARD MINUTES RELATED TO ABRUPT TERMINATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE
BOARD
Special
Committee Had Previously Determined to Seek Other Alternatives After Rejecting
Vinod Gupta’s Acquisition Proposal
Minutes
Reveal Divided Board
STAMFORD,
Conn., April 27, 2006 - Dolphin Limited Partnership I, L.P. and Dolphin
Financial Partners, L.L.C. which together own 2.0 million shares, or 3.6% of
the
outstanding shares of infoUSA
Inc.
(Nasdaq: IUSA), today released previously undisclosed infoUSA
minutes related to the surprising and abrupt termination of the Special
Committee of the Board that had been formed to consider Mr. Vinod Gupta’s $11.75
per share offer for the Company. Here all
shareholders will see first hand the manner in which this Committee was
terminated by a full Board led by Mr. Vinod Gupta.
Mr.
Vinod
Gupta and Dr. George Haddix, both Company nominees for election at the 2006
annual shareholders meeting, voted to terminate the Special Committee. Company
nominee, Dr. Vasant Raval, abstained from the vote.
Dolphin
notes that Mr. Vinod Gupta’s failed, opportunistic offer had been
made:
· |
just
five days after infoUSA
issued an earnings warning that knocked over 20% off the company’s share
value; and
|
· |
just
three months after Mr. Vinod Gupta publicly stated that infoUSA
shares were worth in excess of $18 per
share.
|
The
documents, along with a timeline related to the termination of the special
committee, are available on www.iusaccountability.com.
Dolphin
noted today that the stock price of infoUSA
is
down now by approximately 9% following missed earnings announced by the Company
on April 21, 2006. Dolphin today reminded Mr. Vinod Gupta and the full Board
that all infoUSA’s
shareholders would be better served by focusing on improving the Company’s
earnings and the conduct of the full Board, rather than the recent, desperate
efforts to mislead shareholders on the real issues confronting the Company.
Dolphin
has proposed three new, highly qualified and independent directors: Mick Aslin,
former president and CEO of Gold Banc Corp, Karl Meyer, retired chairman of
Ermis Maritime Holdings Ltd. and Robert A. Trevisani, a Boston-based attorney.
These nominees are committed to serving only to benefit all
shareholders and have no ties with Dolphin, infoUSA
or
infoUSA’s
management.
/CONTACT:
Arthur B. Crozier of Innisfree M&A Incorporated, +1-212-750-5833
/Web
site: http://www.iusaccountability.com
infoUSA
CEO Purchases Additional Stock
OMAHA,
Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2005--infoUSA(R) (NASDAQ:IUSA), the leading
provider of proprietary business and consumer databases, sales leads and
business credit reports, announced that it's Chairman and CEO, Vin Gupta, has
today completed a purchase of 61,000 additional shares of infoUSA stock.
Including this purchase, Mr. Gupta owns 18.4 million shares of the company's
stock.
Vin
Gupta, Chairman and CEO, infoUSA, commented, "I continue to believe that infoUSA
stock is worth in excess of $18 per share based on the company's strong
financial condition and earnings momentum. Additionally, it is trading at a
discount to its peer group as measured by a multiple of EBITDA and free cash
flow. Accordingly, I plan to purchase additional shares in the future as market
conditions permit."
About
infoUSA
infoUSA
(www.infoUSA.com), founded in 1972, is the leading provider of business and
consumer information products, database marketing services, data processing
services and sales and marketing solutions. Content is the essential ingredient
in every marketing program, and infoUSA has the most comprehensive data in
the
industry, and is the only company to own a proprietary database of 250 million
consumers and 14 million businesses under one roof. The infoUSA database powers
the directory services of the top Internet traffic-generating sites. Nearly
3
million customers use infoUSA's products and services to find new customers,
grow their sales, and for other direct marketing, telemarketing, customer
analysis and credit reference purposes. infoUSA headquarters are located at
5711
S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 and can be contacted at (402)
593-4500.
Statements
in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute
forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause
actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include,
but
are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the successful
integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating
results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow
our
Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased
competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the
company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
infoUSA, Omaha
Vin
Gupta, 402-596-8900
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
vin.gupta@infoUSA.com
or
Laurel
Gupta, 402-593-4535
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
laurel.gupta@infousa.com
SOURCE:
infoUSA
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved.
infoUSA
Revises Revenue & Earnings Guidance for 2005
OMAHA,
Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 2005--infoUSA, (NASDAQ:IUSA), the leading
provider of proprietary business and consumer databases, announced today that
it
is revising its revenue and earnings guidance for fiscal 2005. The Company's
new
guidance for fiscal 2005 is as follows:
|
Revised
Guidance |
Original
Guidance |
GAAP Revenue |
$370 - $380 Million |
$390 - $400 Million |
EBITDA |
$92 - $96 Million |
$98 - $102 Million |
GAAP EPS |
$0.59 - $0.63 |
$0.63 - $0.67 |
Free Cash Flow |
$63 - $67 Million |
$68 - $72
Million |
The
Company is revising its guidance for fiscal 2005 due to weakness in revenue
of
its Donnelley Marketing unit and the Small Business Group. However, the Company
feels optimistic about long-term prospects. The management is forecasting full
year EBITDA and EPS to be lower than original guidance due to lower revenue
forecasts.
About
infoUSA
infoUSA
(www.infoUSA.com), founded in 1972, is the leading provider of business and
consumer information products, database marketing services, data processing
services and sales and marketing solutions. Content is the essential ingredient
in every marketing program, and infoUSA has the most comprehensive data in
the
industry, and is the only company to own a proprietary database of 250 million
consumers and 14 million businesses under one roof. The infoUSA database powers
the directory services of the top Internet traffic-generating sites. Nearly
3
million customers use infoUSA's products and services to find new customers,
grow their sales, and for other direct marketing, telemarketing, customer
analysis and credit reference purposes. infoUSA headquarters are located at
5711
S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 and can be contacted at (402)
593-4500.
Statements
in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute
forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause
actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include,
but
are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the successful
integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating
results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow
our
Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased
competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the
company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
infoUSA, Omaha
Vin
Gupta
402-596-8900
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
vin.gupta@infoUSA.com
or
Raj
Das,
402-593-4517
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
raj.das@infoUSA.com
or
Laurel
Gupta, 402-593-4535
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
laurel.gupta@infousa.com
SOURCE:
infoUSA
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved.
infoUSA
Inc. Receives $11.75 Cash Offer That Would Take the Company Private; Offer
Price
Represents a 25% Premium to Yesterday's Closing Price
OMAHA,
Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2005--infoUSA Inc. (NASDAQ:IUSA) today announced
that it has received an offer from Vin Gupta & Company, LLC, an entity
controlled by infoUSA's founder, Chairman and CEO and holder of approximately
38% of the common shares of infoUSA, to acquire all of the outstanding publicly
held common shares of infoUSA not held by Mr. Gupta. Upon completion of the
proposed transaction, infoUSA will become a privately held company.
Under
the
terms of the proposed offer, the holders of infoUSA common stock, other than
Mr.
Gupta, will receive $11.75 in cash per share, a 25% premium to yesterday's
closing price. The closing of the transaction is anticipated to occur during
the
third quarter of 2005. Mr. Gupta stated, "This transaction will bring
significant value to our stockholders and enables infoUSA to continue to build
upon our leading position in the information services industry. Our customers
and partners will continue to receive great customer service and value-added
products and services from the leading provider of proprietary business and
consumer databases, sales leads and business credit reports."
The
closing of the transaction is subject to certain terms and conditions customary
for transactions of this type, including finalizing the debt financing,
receiving the required approvals and executing the definitive documentation
necessary to complete the transaction.
A
copy of
Mr. Gupta's letter to the infoUSA board of directors is attached.
About
infoUSA
infoUSA
(www.infoUSA.com), founded in 1972, is the leading provider of business and
consumer information products, database marketing services, data processing
services and sales and marketing solutions. Content is the essential ingredient
in every marketing program, and infoUSA has the most comprehensive data in
the
industry, and is the only company to own a proprietary database of 250 million
consumers and 14 million businesses under one roof. The infoUSA database powers
the directory services of the top Internet traffic-generating sites. Nearly
3
million customers use infoUSA's products and services to find new customers,
grow their sales, and for other direct marketing, telemarketing, customer
analysis and credit reference purposes. infoUSA headquarters are located at
5711
S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 and can be contacted at (402)
593-4500.
VIN
GUPTA
& COMPANY, LLC
Omaha,
Nebraska
June
13,
2005
Board
of
Directors
infoUSA
INC.
5711
South 86th Circle
Omaha,
NE
68127
Gentlemen:
Pursuant
to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter, Vin
Gupta
& Company, LLC., an entity in which I am the manager and
principal
shareholder proposes to purchase all of the outstanding
common
stock of infoUSA INC. ("infoUSA" or the "Company") that I don't
presently
own for $11.75 per share in cash. This proposed price
represents
a 25% premium to today's closing share price. It also
represents
a substantial premium to the volume-weighted average
closing
prices for the Company's common stock for the 30 day, 60 day,
90
day
and one year periods ending today.
In
this
transaction, I would contribute my entire equity ownership
interest
in infoUSA. The funds necessary to provide for the cash
portion
of this transaction would be obtained solely from debt
financing,
so that I do not intend to have any other equity investors
in
this
transaction other than certain members of management. I and
our
financial advisors have had confidential discussions with several
global
financial institutions and we are confident that this
transaction
will be completed expeditiously and consistent with the
terms
proposed herein. These lenders have each advised us that they
are
committed to dedicate the resources and time required to
successfully
complete the process in a timely manner.
Closing
of this transaction would be subject to a number of customary
conditions,
including but not limited to finalizing the debt
financing,
including completion of definitive documentation on
mutually
acceptable terms, and receipt of necessary approvals, all of
which
we
believe will be received in a timely manner. Assuming full
cooperation
from the Board of Directors of the Company, we believe
that
this
transaction may be closed within 90 days.
This
letter of course constitutes a non-binding proposal and no party
shall
be
bound in any way in connection with the transaction
contemplated
hereby until the parties execute mutually acceptable
definitive
documents.
It
is my
belief that this proposal offers infoUSA's shareholders the
best
opportunity to realize a very attractive value for their shares.
It
also
offers employees of infoUSA the opportunity to remain with the
Company
and continue serving our customers. As the Board considers its
response
to this proposal, it should be aware that I do not desire to
dispose
of any of my shares of infoUSA common stock, nor do I intend
to
vote
in favor of any transaction involving a change in control of
the
Company other than the proposed transaction.
We
look
forward to your response to this proposal. Please feel free to
contact
me (at the number set forth herein) or Rick Massey of Stephens
Inc.,
our
lead financial advisor (at 501-377-3461) if you would like
to
discuss further any aspect of our proposal.
Sincerely,
\s\
Vin
Gupta
Vinod
Gupta,
Vin
Gupta
& Company, LLC
CONTACT:
infoUSA, Omaha
Vin
Gupta, 402-596-8900
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
vin.gupta@infoUSA.com
or
Raj
Das,
402-593-4517
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
raj.das@infousa.com
or
Laurel
Gupta, 402-593-4535
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
laurel.gupta@infousa.com
SOURCE:
infoUSA
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved
infoUSA
Inc.
Minutes
of a Meeting
of
the Board of Directors
June
14, 2005
A
meeting
of the Board of Directors of infoUSA
Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), was held at 3:00 p.m. (Central Daylight
Savings Time), on Tuesday, June 14, 2005, by telephonic conference
call,
The
following directors participated in the meeting: Vinod Gupta, Harold W.
Andersen, Anshoo Gupta, George F. Haddix, Martin F. Kahn, Elliot S. Kaplan,
Dr.
Vasant H. Raval, Charles W. Stryker and Dennis P. Walker. No directors were
absent. The following persons were also present: Raj Das and Fred Vakili of
the
Company; and Eric O. Madson of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. Mr.
Gupta chaired the meeting and Mr. Madson recorded the minutes. Noting that
a
quorum was present, Mr. Gupta called the meeting to order.
Establishment
of Special Committee
Vin
Gupta
outlined the proposal submitted to the Company by Vin Gupta & Company, LLC
(attached hereto as Appendix
A
for the
acquisition of all shares of common stock of the Company not owned by Mr. Gupta,
at a price of $11.75 per share in cash. The directors discussed the
establishment of a special committee of disinterested directors of the Company
to consider the proposal. Upon motion duly made and seconded, and after
discussion, the following resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS,
the
Company has received a written proposal from Vin Gupta & Company, LLC, an
entity controlled by Vin Gupta, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and principal
stockholder of the Company, for the acquisition of all shares of common stock
of
the Company not owned by Mr. Gupta, at a price of $11.75 per share in cash
(the
“Proposal’);
WHEREAS,
the
Board of Directors desires to establish a special committee of disinterested
directors to take all actions of the Board of Directors with respect to the
Proposal and any other matters relating to the Proposal; and
WHEREAS,
the
Board of Directors has considered, with respect to each member of the Board
of
Directors, the existence or absence of a direct or indirect financial interest
in the Proposal, and other factors that may affect or be perceived to affect
each director’s ability to exercise independent judgment with respect to the
Proposal and related matters with only the best interests of the Company and
its
stockholders in mind:
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED,
that the
Board of Directors hereby establishes a special committee of the Board of
Directors (the “Special Committee”, which shall be composed of the following
directors, each of whom is a disinterested director of the Company with respect
to the Proposal:
Anshoo
Gupta
Martin
F.
Kahn
Dr.
Vasant H. Raval
Charles
W. Stryker
RESOLVED
FURTHER,
that the
Special Committee shall have the purpose of taking, and is hereby delegated
authority to take, all actions of this Board of Directors with respect to the
Proposal and any matters relating to or arising from the Proposal, including
any
actions that the Special Committee deems appropriate or necessary for the proper
discharge by the Special Committee of its fiduciary duties and other obligations
under applicable law;
RESOLVED
FURTHER,
that,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing resolution, the Special
Committee shall have the authority on behalf of the Company to determine whether
the Company should become a party to a transaction pursuant to the Proposal
or
otherwise; to negotiate, approve or reject the Proposal; in its sole discretion,
to solicit, consider, negotiate, approve or reject alternate proposals; in
its
sole discretion and. at the expense of the Company, to engage independent legal,
financial and other advisors to, assist it in fulfilling its duties; to call
upon and discuss any matter related to the Proposal or any alternate proposal
with the management, employees, attorneys and other representatives of the
Company as deemed appropriate or necessary by the Special Committee; to request
and obtain from the management, employees, attorneys and other representatives
of the Company any document or analysis reasonably related to the Proposal
or
any alternate proposal; to exercise all of the powers and authority of the
full
Board of Directors of this Company with respect to the Proposal or any alternate
proposal and any matters relating thereto; and to take such action as it may
otherwise deem appropriate or necessary, in its sole discretion, in connection
with the Proposal or any alternate proposal or any matters relating thereto;
and
RESOLVED
FURTHER,
that the
approval or rejection by the Special Committee of the Proposal or any alternate
proposal or any matter relating thereto shall be deemed to constitute the
approval or rejection thereof by the full Board of Directors of the
Company.
Adjournment
Upon
completion of the foregoing matters, there being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully
Submitted:
/s/
Eric O. Madson
Eric
O.
Madson, Secretary of the Meeting
ACCEPTED
AND APPROVED:
/s/
Vinod Gupta
Vinod
Gupta, Chairman of the Board
APPENDIX
A
VIN
GUPTA & COMPANY, LLC
Omaha,
Nebraska
June
13,
2005
Board
of
Directors
infoUSA
INC.
5711
South 86th Circle
Omaha,
NE
68127
Gentlemen:
Pursuant
to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter, Vin Gupta & Company,
LLC, an entity in which I am the manager and principal shareholder proposes
to
purchase all of the outstanding common stock of infoUSA INC. (“infoUSA” or the
“Company”) that I don’t presently own for $11.75 per share in cash. This
proposed price represents a 25% premium to today’s closing share price. It also
represents a substantial premium to the volume-weighted average closing prices
for the Company’s common stock for the 30 day, 60 day, 90 day and one year
periods ending today.
In
this
transaction, I would contribute my entire equity ownership interest in infoUSA
The funds necessary to provide for the cash portion of this transaction would
be
obtained solely from debt financing, so that I do not intend to have any other
equity investors in this transaction other than certain members of management.
I
and our financial advisors have had confidential discussions with several global
financial institutions and we are confident that this transaction will be
completed expeditiously and consistent with the terms proposed herein. These
lenders have each advised us that they are committed to dedicate the resources
and time required to successfully complete the process in a timely
manner.
Closing
of this transaction would be subject to a number of customary conditions,
including but not limited to finalizing the debt financing, including completion
of definitive documentation on mutually acceptable terms, and receipt of
necessary approvals, all of which we believe will be received in a timely
manner. Assuming full cooperation from the Board of Directors of the Company,
we
believe that this transaction may be closed within 90 days.
This
letter of course constitutes a non-binding proposal and no party shall be bound
in any way in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby until the
parties execute mutually acceptable definitive documents.
It
is my
belief that this proposal offers infoUSA’s shareholders the best opportunity to
realize a very attractive value for their shares. It also offers employees
of
infoUSA the opportunity to remain with the Company and continue serving our
customers. As the Board considers its response to this proposal, it should
be
aware that I do not desire to dispose of any of my shares of infoUSA common
stock, nor do I intend to vote in favor of any transaction involving a change
in
control of the Company other than the proposed transaction.
We
look
forward to your response to this proposal. Please feel free to contact me (at
the number set forth herein) or Rick Massey of Stephens Inc., our lead financial
advisor (at 501-377-3461) if you would like to discuss further any aspect of
our
proposal.
Sincerely,
\s\
Vin
Gupta
Vinod
Gupta,
Vin
Gupta
& Company, LLC
MINUTES
OF THE
JUNE
21, 2005 MEETING
OF
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
OF
THE
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF
infoUSA,
INC.
A
telephonic meeting of the Special Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of
Directors of infoUSA,
Inc.
(the “Company”) was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2005. Martin Kahn, Charles
Stryker, Vasant Raval and Anshoo Gupta were present. Warren de Wied, Robert
Schwenkel, Brian Mangino and Tiffany McConnell of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shiver
& Jacobson LLP (“Fried Frank”) also participated. Prior to the meeting,
Fried Frank circulated to the members of the Committee materials, including
an
agenda, a board presentation, and memoranda concerning fees paid to Special
Committee members and financial advisors in similar transactions and
considerations relevant to the selection of a financial advisor.
The
meeting was called to order at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Messrs.
de Wied and Schwenkel made a presentation to the Committee relating to the
proposal by Vin Gupta & Company LLC to acquire all of the outstanding shares
of the Company (the “Gupta Proposal”). The presentation addressed the terms of
the Gupta Proposal, the fiduciary duties of Committee, legal considerations
relevant to the evaluation by the Committee of the Gupta Proposal and potential
responses to the Gupta proposal. Messrs. de Wied and Schwenkel responded to
questions.
Mr.
de
Wied also reviewed certain structural considerations relevant to the Gupta
Proposal. In particular, Mr. de Wied noted that Mr. Gupta is currently exempt
from the Company’s shareholder rights plan, and that it may be desirable for the
Company to enter into a standstill agreement or to amend the shareholder rights
plan to prevent Mr. Gupta from increasing his ownership interest in the Company
while the Committee is considering the Gupta Proposal.
After
the
presentation, the Committee discussed the position of Chairman of the Special
Committee. After discussion, the members of the Committee unanimously determined
that Martin Kahn should be appointed as the chairman of the Special
Committee.
Following
this discussion, the Committee discussed potential compensation of the Committee
members. Fried Frank presented to the Committee information concerning
compensation of similar committees. The Committee determined to recommend to
the
Board of Directors fees of $75,000 per Committee member for the remainder of
2005. The Committee, at Mr. Kahn’s request, postponed discussion of the
compensation of Mr. Kahn as Chairman of the Committee until the end of the
meeting.
The
Committee then reviewed a draft letter to Mr. Gupta prepared by Fried Frank
elaborating certain principles governing Mr. Gupta’s conduct during the period
in which the Committee is considering the Gupta Proposal. The Committee
suggested certain changes to the
draft
letter and Fried Frank agreed to circulate a revised draft of the letter in
response to the Committee’s comments.
The
Committee then discussed the process for selecting a financial advisor. The
Committee discussed qualifications relevant to selecting a financial advisor
and
reviewed various investment banking firms that had either approached the
Committee or been identified by members of the Committee or Fried Frank as
potential candidates. After further discussion, the Committee unanimously
determined to invite each of *___________, Lazard Freres & Co., Inc.,
*________________ to make presentations to the Committee. The Committee
determined that the presentations would be made on June 30 and, if necessary,
July 1, 2005, at the offices of Fried Frank located at 375 Park Avenue, New
York
City.
A
discussion ensued as to whether, the Committee should employ an outside public
relations firm to handle media inquiries and press releases issued by the
Committee. After discussion, the Committee determined that an outside firm
was
not necessary at this time, but that this determination would be revisited
as
the process continued if necessary.
The
Committee then discussed the scheduling and agenda for future
meetings.
Mr.
Kahn
then left the meeting. The remaining Committee members discussed the appropriate
compensation for Mr. Kahn as Chairman of the Committee. The Committee concluded
that an additional $25,000 of compensation was reasonable given Mr. Kahn’s
increased responsibilities as Chairman.
The
meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:05 p.m.
____________________
Chairman
*
Redacted by infoUSA
infoUSA
Announces Board of Directors Has Formed Special Committee
OMAHA,
Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2005--infoUSA Inc. (NASDAQ:IUSA) announced
that
its Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of independent directors
to consider the previously announced proposal by Vin Gupta & Company, LLC,
an entity controlled by infoUSA's Chairman and CEO, Mr. Vinod Gupta, to acquire
all of the shares of Common Stock of infoUSA not owned by Mr. Vinod Gupta at
a
cash purchase price of $11.75 per share. The members of the Special Committee
are Martin Kahn, Charles Stryker, Vasant Raval and Anshoo Gupta (Anshoo Gupta
is
not related to Vinod Gupta).
The
Special Committee has engaged Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
as its legal advisor to assist in its evaluation of the proposal by Mr. Vinod
Gupta. The Special Committee will carefully review Mr. Vinod Gupta's proposal
and potential alternatives and will respond to the proposal upon completion
of
its review. However, there can be no assurance as to the timeframe for the
Special Committee process nor whether any transaction will result.
CONTACT:
infoUSA Inc., Omaha
Martin
Kahn, 212-848-0401
SOURCE:
infoUSA Inc.
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved.
MINUTES
OF THE
AUGUST
23, 2005 MEETING
OF
THE
SPECIAL COMMITTEE
OF
THE
BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS OF
infoUSA,
INC.
A
meeting
of the Special Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of
infoUSA,
Inc.
(the “Company”) was held on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, at the offices of Fried,
Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP (“Fried Frank”), 375 Park Avenue, New
York, New York. Martin Kahn, Charles Stryker, Anshoo Gupta and Vasant Raval
were
present. Warren de Wied and Brian Mangino of Fried Frank also
participated.
The
meeting was called to order at approximately 9:30 am.
Lazard
Freres & Co., Inc. (“Lazard”), the Committee’s financial advisor, gave a
presentation regarding Mr. Vin Gupta’s proposal to acquire all of the shares of
the Company not currently owned by Mr. Vin Gupta for a price of $11.75 per
share. The Lazard presentation included written materials and an oral
presentation. The presentation included Lazard’s report on its due diligence
investigation of the Company, its preliminary views of the valuation of the
Company using various financial metrics and potential strategic alternatives
for
the Committee to consider in addition to Mr. Gupta’s proposal. Lazard responded
to questions from the Committee regarding the presentation. Following the
presentation, the Committee, Lazard and Fried Frank discussed the next steps
in
the process of responding to Mr. Vin Gupta’s proposal.
After
lengthy discussions where Lazard and Fried Frank responded to various questions
from the Committee, the Committee authorized Martin Kahn, the Chairman of the
Committee, to contact Mr. Vin Gupta and inform Mr. Vin Gupta of the
following:
l |
based
upon the preliminary information reviewed by the Committee, including
the
infoUSA financial projections, which Lazard noted had been prepared
by
members of management participating in Mr. Gupta’s bid, it believed that
Mr. Gupta’s proposal undervalues infoUSA;
and
|
l |
that
the Committee believes, in light of the background to Mr. Vin Gupta’s
proposal (including prior public statements about the company’s growth
prospects and value), as well as his position as CEO of the company,
that
any sale transaction will require a market
test.
|
The
Committee determined, and authorized Mr. Kahn to convey its view to Mr. Vin
Gupta, that while the Committee has made no decision to recommend any
transaction, in light of Mr. Vin Gupta’s proposal and potential alternatives
available to the Company, it is in the best interests of the Company’s
stockholders to explore possible strategic alternatives for the Company at
this
time.
Mr.
Kahn
was further authorized to present Mr. Vin Gupta with two different alternative
processes to achieve a market test. Under the first alternative, Mr. Gupta
would
be given an opportunity to negotiate with the Committee on an exclusive basis,
with the understanding that
there
would be a post-signing market check and that Mr. Gupta would be required to
commit to support a sale of the company if a higher offer were ultimately
obtained. Under the second alterative, Mr. Gupta would be invited to participate
along with other interested parties in an exploration of potential strategic
alternatives, but would not be given exclusivity and would not be required
to
commit to support an alternative transaction.
Members
of Lazard were then excused from the meeting.
The
Committee then discussed the status of the lawsuit filed by Eileen Tyrrell
against Mr. Vin Gupta, the Company and the members of the Board of
Directors.
There
being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:00
p.m.
______________________
Chairman
infoUSA
Announces Withdrawal of Offer by Vinod Gupta; Special Committee Intends to
Continue to Explore Strategic Alternatives
OMAHA,
Neb., Aug 25, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- infoUSA Inc. (Nasdaq:
IUSA) announced that, on August 24, 2005, the Special Committee of its Board
of
Directors communicated to Mr. Vinod Gupta, infoUSA's Chairman and CEO, the
preliminary conclusions of the Committee regarding the previously announced
proposal by an affiliate of Mr. Vinod Gupta to acquire all of the shares of
infoUSA not owned by Mr. Vinod Gupta for $11.75 per share in cash. The Special
Committee informed Mr. Vinod Gupta that, based upon the preliminary information
reviewed by the Committee, it did not intend to move forward with his current
proposal.
The
Special Committee further advised Mr. Vinod Gupta that, while the Committee
had
made no decision to recommend any transaction, the Committee had determined,
in
light of his proposal and potential strategic alternatives available to the
company, that it is in the best interests of the company's stockholders to
continue to explore potential strategic alternatives.
Mr.
Vinod
Gupta then advised the Special Committee that he intended to withdraw his $11.75
per share proposal. In addition, Mr. Vinod Gupta also reiterated that he does
not intend to sell his shares or to vote his shares in favor of any other change
in control transaction. Mr. Vinod Gupta subsequently issued a press release
confirming these statements.
The
Special Committee intends to continue to explore a range of strategic
alternatives and to exercise its functions unless and until the authority of
the
Committee is terminated by the Board of Directors of infoUSA, despite the
withdrawal of Mr. Vinod Gupta's proposal and his statement that he does not
intend to sell his shares or support any change in control transaction. However,
there can be no assurance that any transaction will result from the Committee's
exploration of strategic alternatives.
About
infoUSA
infoUSA
(www.infoUSA.com), founded in 1972, is the leading provider of business and
consumer information products, database marketing services, data processing
services and sales and marketing solutions. Content is the essential ingredient
in every marketing program, and infoUSA has the most comprehensive data in
the
industry, and is the only company to own a proprietary database of 250 million
consumers and 14 million businesses under one roof. The infoUSA database powers
the directory services of the top Internet traffic-generating sites. Nearly
3
million customers use infoUSA's products and services to find new customers,
grow their sales, and for other direct marketing, telemarketing, customer
analysis and credit reference purposes. infoUSA headquarters are located at
5711
S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 and can be contacted at 402-593-4500.
Statements
in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute
forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause
actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include,
but
are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the
successful
integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating
results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow
our
Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased
competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the
company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE:
infoUSA Inc.
Martin
Kahn, Chairman of the Special Committee of infoUSA, +1-212-848-0401
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved.
infoUSA
Inc.
Minutes
of a Meeting
of
the
Board of Directors
August
26, 2005
A
meeting
of the Board of Directors of infoUSA
Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), was held at 10:00 a.m. (Central Daylight
Savings Time), on Friday, August 26, 2005, by telephonic conference
call.
The
following directors participated in the meeting: Vinod Gupta, Harold W.
Andersen, Anshoo Gupta, George F. Haddix, Martin F. Kahn, Elliot S. Kaplan,
Dr.
Vasant H. Raval, Charles W. Stryker and Dennis P. Walker. No directors were
absent. The following persons also participated in the meeting: Raj Das and
Fred
Vakali of the Company; and Eric O. Madsen of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi
L.L.P. Vin Gupta chaired the meeting and Mr. Madson recorded the minutes. Noting
that a quorum was present, Mr. Gupta called the meeting to order.
Vin
Gupta, in his capacity as a stockholder of the Company, confirmed to the Board
that he had withdrawn his proposal to acquire all shares of common stock of
the
Company not owned by Mr. Gupta, at a price of $11.75 per share in
cash.
Mr.
Kahn
presented a report on behalf of the Special Committee composed of Anshoo Gupta,
Mr. Kahn, Dr. Raval and Mr. Stryker. Throughout his report, Mr. Kahn and other
members of the Special Committee addressed questions from the directors. Mr.
Kahn reviewed the formation of the Special Committee following the Company’s
receipt of Mr. Gupta’s proposal, and the scope of its authority as set forth in
the resolutions of the Board of Directors establishing the Special Committee.
He
discussed the process conducted by the Special Committee, including the
engagement of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP as legal counsel
to the Special Committee and Lazard Freres & Co. LLC as financial advisor to
the Committee, the conducting of interviews with members of management, and
the
receipt and consideration of a financial review of the Company by Lazard. He
reported that the Special Committee had met with its legal and financial
advisors on August 23, 2005; that Lazard presented a preliminary report with
respect to the fair value of the Company; that based on Lazard’s analysis the
Special Committee unanimously felt that Mr. Gupta’s offer of $11.75 per share
undervalued the Company, and that the Special Committee felt that a transaction
with Mr. Gupta should not be concluded without conducting a “market check.” Mr.
Kahn discussed how a market check could be conducted. Mr. Kahn reported that
he
communicated the Special Committee’s response to Mr. Gupta on August 24, 2005,
and that Mr. Gupta then advised the Special Committee that he would withdraw
his
proposal.
The
directors discussed the report of the Special Committee in light of Mr. Gupta’s
withdrawal of his proposal. Members of the Special Committee discussed
communications that
had
been
directed to the Special Committee by stockholders relating to Mr. Gupta’s
proposal, and reported that such stockholders generally felt that a price of
$11.75 per share was too low. Mr. Gupta stated that, from his perspective as
a
stockholder, the Company was not for sale, and that he would not sell his shares
to a third party. Directors noted that a third party would be free to submit
a
proposal even if the Company did not proactively seek such proposals, that
if a
proposal were received from a third party, such proposal could be considered
by
the full Board, and that while a special committee of disinterested directors
was needed to consider Mr. Gupta’s proposal, the need for such a committee no
longer exists in view of the withdrawal of Mr. Gupta’s proposal.
The
directors discussed whether it was desirable at this time to proactively seek
alternative proposals. They first discussed the interests of the Company’s
stockholders. They next discussed the potential disruption in the Company’s
operations that could result from continued exploration of strategic
alternatives, including demands on management’s time, a possible adverse impact
on the Company’s ability to retain key employees, the creation of uncertainty
for and the possible adverse impact on employees in general, and consequential
adverse impact on the interests of the Company’s stockholders. Finally, the
directors discussed whether the Special Committee had completed its charge,
and
whether or not the Special Committee should be dissolved.
After
discussion, the following motion was made by Mr. Haddix and seconded by
Mr. Walker:
WHEREAS,
in June
2005 the Company received a written proposal from Vin Gupta & Company, LLC,
an entity controlled by Vin Gupta, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
principal stockholder of the Company, for the acquisition of all shares of
common stock of the Company not owned by Mr. Gupta, at a price of $11.75 per
share in cash (the “Proposal”); and
WHEREAS,
the
Board of Directors established a Special Committee to take all actions of the
Board of Directors with respect to the Proposal and any matters relating to
or
arising from the Proposal, including any actions that the Special Committee
deemed appropriate or necessary for the proper discharge by the Special
Committee of its fiduciary duties and other obligations under applicable law;
and
WHEREAS,
the
Special Committee has determined, based on preliminary information, that the
Proposal should not be accepted and Mr. Gupta has withdrawn the Proposal;
and
WHEREAS,
the
purpose for which the Special Committee was established no longer
exists;
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED,
that
the Special Committee is hereby dissolved, effective immediately; that the
delegation of authority to the Special Committee is hereby terminated and such
authority is hereby restored to the full Board of Directors; and that the
affairs of the Special Committee shall be wound up as soon as
practicable.
The
directors discussed the motion and related matters. After discussion, the motion
was adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors. The
following directors voted in favor of the motion: Mr. Andersen, Mr. Vinod Gupta,
Mr. Haddix, Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Walker. The following directors voted against
the
motion: Mr. Anshoo Gupta, Mr. Kahn and Mr. Stryker. Dr. Raval abstained from
voting on the motion.
Upon
completion of the foregoing matters, there being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully
Submitted:
___________________________________
Eric
O.
Madson, Secretary of the Meeting
Accepted
and approved:
______________________________
Vinod
Gupta, Chairman of the Board
infoUSA
Board of Directors Dissolves Special Committee
OMAHA,
Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2005--infoUSA Inc. (Nasdaq:IUSA) today announced
that its Board of Directors has dissolved the Special Committee of directors
that was formed to review the previously announced proposal from Vin Gupta
&
Company, LLC, an entity controlled by infoUSA's Chairman and CEO, to acquire
all
of the outstanding publicly held common shares of infoUSA not held by Mr. Gupta.
On August 24, 2005, the Special Committee informed Mr. Gupta that it did not
intend to move forward with his proposal, and Mr. Gupta withdrew his
proposal.
About
infoUSA
infoUSA
(www.infoUSA.com), founded in 1972, is the leading provider of business and
consumer information products, database marketing services, data processing
services and sales and marketing solutions. Content is the essential ingredient
in every marketing program, and infoUSA has the most comprehensive data in
the
industry, and is the only company to own a proprietary database of 250 million
consumers and 14 million businesses under one roof. The infoUSA database powers
the directory services of the top Internet traffic-generating sites. Nearly
3
million customers use infoUSA's products and services to find new customers,
grow their sales, and for other direct marketing, telemarketing, customer
analysis and credit reference purposes. infoUSA headquarters are located at
5711
S. 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 and can be contacted at (402)
593-4500.
Statements
in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute
forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could
cause
actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include,
but
are not limited to, recent changes in senior management, the successful
integration of recent and future acquisitions, fluctuations in operating
results, failure to successfully carry out our Internet strategy or to grow
our
Internet revenue, effects of leverage, changes in technology and increased
competition. More information about potential factors that could affect the
company's business and financial results is included in the company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT:
infoUSA Inc., Omaha
Raj
Das,
402-593-4517
Fax:
402-339-0265
E-Mail:
raj.das@infoUSA.com
SOURCE:
infoUSA Inc.
Copyright
infoUSA® Inc. All rights reserved.