Micrel Inc. (MCRL) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets analog, mixed-signal, and digital semiconductor devices.
Activist Investor Purchases Large Stake in MCRL
On August 07, 2014 activist investor Starboard Value filed a 13D showing it had purchased 12% in total of the equity interest of MCRL. The Purpose of Transaction section in the 13D stated:
“The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity…..”
“……the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, engaging in communications with management and the Board of Directors of the Issuer, engaging in discussions with stockholders of the Issuer and others about the Issuer and the Reporting Persons’ investment, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization, ownership structure, board structure (including board composition) or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares, or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.
On January 20, 2015, MCRL announced that its Board of Directors unanimously determined to conduct a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to enhance value for shareholders. The company also formed a Transactions Committee to lead the review and evaluation of strategic alternatives.