HP Responds to Xerox Plan to Nominate 11 Board Members at HP Shareholder Meeting

HP Inc. confirmed that Xerox Holdings Corporation has announced its intent to nominate 11 candidates (click here to see who they are) to stand for election to the company’s Board of Directors at HP’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Xerox has previously submitted an unsolicited proposal to acquire HP, which the HP Board unanimously rejected.

In response to Xerox's hostile takeover attempt, HP issued the following statement:

We believe these nominations are a self-serving tactic by Xerox to advance its proposal, that significantly undervalues HP and creates meaningful risk to the detriment of HP shareholders.

The HP Board of Directors is committed to serving the best interests of all HP shareholders and to pursuing the most value-creating path. Value creation for HP shareholders is not dependent on a Xerox combination. There are numerous opportunities available to HP to drive sustainable long-term value. These include the execution of HP’s strategic plan, and the deployment of its strong balance sheet for increased share repurchases of its significantly undervalued stock, and for value-creating M&A. Xerox’s proposed transaction attempts to use HP’s financial capacities for the benefit of Xerox shareholders.

We believe that Xerox’s proposal and nominations are being driven by Carl Icahn, and his large ownership position in Xerox means that his interests are not aligned with those of other HP shareholders. Due to Mr. Icahn’s ownership position, he would disproportionately benefit from an acquisition of HP by Xerox at a price that undervalues HP.

Mr. Icahn has meaningful influence over Xerox and its Board of Directors given this ownership position; the role he played in the appointment of Xerox’s current CEO, who is a former Icahn consultant; and the ties Mr. Icahn has to members of the Xerox Board, including Xerox’s Chairman, an Icahn employee.

The HP Board is unwavering in its commitment to HP shareholders and will continue to take all appropriate actions to advance and protect HP shareholders’ best interests.

Source: HP

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