Benihana Inc. to Explore Strategic Alternatives
Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN) announced that its Board of Directors has decided to explore strategic alternatives available to the Company, including a possible sale, in order to maximize shareholder value.
Richard C. Stockinger, Chief Executive Officer, said “While the Company strongly believes in the renewal program and that significant progress has been made toward achieving its goals, the Company has also stated its intention to commence an expansion plan through restaurant development and/or acquisitions. However, growth would be predicated on raising additional capital, and the Company is reluctant to issue new equity at current price levels. Furthermore, several large shareholders have expressed disagreement with the Board and have indicated a desire to seek Board membership to pursue a change in the Company’s strategic direction.”
Mr. Stockinger concluded, “The combination of issues relating to raising new capital and the divergent views of these shareholders have made it extremely difficult for the Company to implement with confidence a growth plan that would include organic growth as well as acquisitions at this time. As a result, the Board has determined that the best course of action is to engage in a formal review of strategic alternatives available to the Company with the assistance of a qualified financial advisor, including a possible sale. The objective would be to enhance shareholder value, while also maintaining and furthering the strategies the Company has initiated.”
The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the progress of its strategic review until such time as the Board has approved a transaction or otherwise deems disclosure appropriate.
The Company also announced that its Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on September 14, 2010. The record date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be August 10, 2010.
Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN) operates 97 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana teppanyaki restaurants, nine Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi Bar restaurants. Under development at present is one Benihana teppanyaki restaurant. In addition, 21 franchised Benihana teppanyaki restaurants are operating in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.
