| ☐ |
Preliminary Proxy Statement
|
|
|
|
| ☐ |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|
|
|
|
| ☐ |
Definitive Proxy Statement
|
|
|
|
| ☐ |
Definitive Additional Materials
|
|
|
|
| ☒ |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
|
|
☒
|
No fee required
|
|
☐
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|
|
☐
|
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
|
| 1. |
What was announced today?
|
|
•
|
Arconic has entered into an agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of funds managed by Apollo Global Management, Inc. (“Apollo”), with a minority investment from Irenic Capital Management LP, in a transaction that will position us to
execute on our strategic goals. We expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the Company’s stockholders. Upon the closing of the transaction, Arconic will
operate as a privately held company.
|
| 2. |
Why did Arconic enter into this transaction?
|
|
•
|
This transaction represents a realization of value for Arconic shareholders at a meaningful premium and enables the Company to execute its long-term strategic vision. The Board decided to approve this transaction after thorough and
thoughtful review of a range of value-creation opportunities for shareholders.
|
| 3. |
Who is Apollo?
|
|
•
|
Apollo is one of the world’s leading investment firms and has a long track record of providing its portfolio companies the flexibility to invest their resources in long-term strategies that have driven them to new levels of success.
|
| 4. |
What are Apollo’s plans for Arconic?
|
|
•
|
“Arconic’s talented management team and employees operate a set of premier global assets serving markets that are growing. We are committed to investing significant capital in the Company to secure its competitive position and
world-class product offering to continue building on Arconic’s journey,” said Gareth Turner, Partner at Apollo Global Management.
|
|
•
|
Strategic investments are expected to include:
|
| 1. |
Upgrades to key machine centers to maximize the full potential of the Company’s unique production capabilities
|
| 2. |
Technology upgrades to bring the Company’s plants and process controls to state-of-the-art standards
|
| 3. |
Investments in projects that will provide for a cleaner environment in the communities in which the Company operates
|
|
•
|
Mr. Turner also commented, “As aluminum continues to win share in markets seeking sustainable, high-performing material across a wide variety of applications, we believe there is a strong runway for growth in markets throughout the
world. We are looking forward to supporting Arconic’s experienced team with our resources and knowledge in the sector to help the Company achieve its long-term goals.”
|
|
•
|
Itai Wallach, Partner at Apollo, commented, “We have tremendous respect for Arconic and its people and are fully committed to continuing Arconic’s unwavering support for its employees throughout the world through a strong culture of
employee engagement, respecting and protecting the collective bargaining process and by focusing on strengthening the security of the Company’s pension plans, such that the Company’s commitments remain secure. We look forward to partnering
with the Company in its next phase of growth.”
|
| 5. |
How will the transaction impact Arconic employees?
|
|
•
|
This announcement is just the first step toward completing this transaction, and it is business as usual at Arconic. We are relying on you to stay focused on your day-to-day responsibilities, and to continue serving our customers,
stakeholders, and others as you always have.
|
| 6. |
Will this transaction have any impact on benefits and compensation?
|
|
•
|
Until the transaction closes, we will operate under our current compensation and benefit programs.
|
|
•
|
In the meantime, we can note that Apollo’s general approach is to maintain comparable benefits and compensation programs. To the extent there will be any changes, we would inform you in advance.
|
| 7. |
I own Arconic stock. What will happen to employees’ stock? What happens to equity that has been granted, but is unvested?
|
|
•
|
Employees who are stockholders of Arconic will receive $30.00 in cash for each share of Arconic that they own, including equity grants that have vested and not yet been sold, upon closing of the transaction.
|
|
•
|
We expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the Company’s stockholders.
|
|
•
|
With respect to restricted stock units and other equity grants, more information will be provided to recipients in due course.
|
| 8. |
Does this mean we are a private company today?
|
|
•
|
No, we continue to be a public company until the transaction closes, which we expect to occur in the second half of 2023, Arconic’s common stock will no longer be listed on NYSE, and each Arconic stockholder will receive $30.00 in cash
for each share of Arconic stock that they own.
|
|
•
|
This announcement is just the first step toward completing this transaction, and it is business as usual at Arconic. There are still a number of customary closing conditions that must be satisfied before the transaction is complete. We
are relying on you to stay focused on your day-to-day responsibilities.
|
| 9. |
Does this transaction change Arconic’s strategy?
|
|
•
|
This transaction should not change our strategy or the key initiatives that we currently have underway.
|
|
•
|
We are relying on you to stay focused on your day-to-day responsibilities and to continue serving our customers as you always have.
|
| 10. |
Will there be any changes to the Arconic name and brand? What about headquarters?
|
|
•
|
Arconic will continue to operate under the Arconic name and brand with our headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
|
| 11. |
Are you notifying customers? What should I say if a customer asks about this?
|
|
•
|
Yes, we are notifying our customers and business partners as we value our relationships with both and believe this is an important announcement to share.
|
|
•
|
We are communicating this news to them just as we are to you. You can relay that it is business as usual at Arconic.
|
| 12. |
What do I do if I am contacted by the media or other third parties?
|
|
•
|
Consistent with company policy, please refer any media inquiries to Tracie Gliozzi and investor inquiries to Shane Rourke.
|
|
•
|
It is important we speak with one voice, and we ask that you please refrain from commenting on any questions you receive from media or the investment community.
|
| 13. |
When will I receive more information? Who can I go to if I have any questions?
|
|
•
|
As this process moves forward, there will be milestones and we’ll communicate with you as those occur.
|
| |
|
•
|
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your manager.
|