SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant | |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |X|
Check the appropriate box:
|X| Preliminary Proxy Statement
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RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
| | Definitive Proxy Statement
| | Definitive Additional Materials
| | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
Art Technology Group, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC, Mitchell-Wright, LLC,
SSH Partners I, LP, Arcadia Partners, L.P.,
Arcadia Capital Management, LLC, James Dennedy and Richard Rofe
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required
| | 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:
(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:
(5) Total fee paid:
| | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
| | Check 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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(4) Date Filed:
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 28, 2004
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
ART TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
OCTOBER 22, 2004
------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT OF
MITCHELL-WRIGHT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC, MITCHELL-WRIGHT, LLC,
SSH PARTNERS I, LP, ARCADIA PARTNERS, L.P., ARCADIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC,
JAMES DENNEDY AND RICHARD ROFE
------------------------------
This proxy statement and the enclosed BLUE proxy card are being furnished to
you, the stockholders of Art Technology Group, Inc. ("ATG"), in connection with
the solicitation of proxies by Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC,
Mitchell-Wright, LLC, SSH Partners I, LP, Arcadia Partners, L.P., Arcadia
Capital Management, LLC, James Dennedy and Richard Rofe for use at the special
meeting of stockholders of ATG and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Pursuant to this proxy statement, we are soliciting proxies from holders of
shares of ATG common stock to vote AGAINST the proposal to issue shares of ATG
common stock in connection with the proposed merger involving ATG and Primus
Knowledge Solutions, Inc. ("Primus"). We refer to ourselves in this proxy
statement as "the MWTG Group," and we refer to Mitchell-Wright Technology Group,
LLC as "MWTG."
The special meeting will be held on October 22, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
at the offices of Foley Hoag LLP, Seaport World Trade Center West, 155 Seaport
Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Information concerning the MWTG Group and other persons who are or may be deemed
participants in its solicitation of proxies is provided in this proxy statement
under the headings "Information About the Participants" and in Annex A.
* * * * * * *
A PROXY MAY BE GIVEN BY ANY PERSON WHO HELD SHARES OF ATG COMMON STOCK ON
SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, THE RECORD DATE FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU
PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED
BLUE PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. YOUR
LATEST-DATED PROXY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT COUNTS, SO YOU MAY RETURN THE BLUE PROXY
CARD EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DELIVERED A PROXY. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN ANY PROXY
SENT TO YOU BY ATG. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RETURNED A PROXY CARD SENT TO YOU BY
ATG, THAT CARD WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY REVOKED IF YOU COMPLETE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SOLICITATION, OR NEED ANY ASSISTANCE IN
VOTING YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CONTACT OUR PROXY SOLICITOR, INNISFREE M&A,
INCORPORATED, TOLL-FREE, AT 1-888-___-____.
* * * * * * *
This proxy statement and the enclosed BLUE proxy card are first being sent or
given to stockholders of ATG on or about _________, 2004.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
BACKGROUND OF THE DECISION TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED MERGER.......................1
REASONS TO VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSED MERGER....................................3
ATG'S FINANCIAL POSITION WILL DETERIORATE.............................4
ATG'S STRATEGIC POSITION WILL NOT MATERIALLY IMPROVE..................8
THE INTEGRATION RISK OF THE PROPOSED MERGER IS SUBSTANTIAL............8
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON ATG STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE NEGATIVE.............9
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER..............................9
VOTING PROCEDURES.............................................................10
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS...........................................................13
PROXY SOLICITATION AND EXPENSES...............................................13
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS SOLICITATION OF PROXIES............13
INFORMATION ABOUT ATG.........................................................13
SUBMISSION OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS....................................14
OTHER MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON................................................14
ANNEX A.......................................................................15
ANNEX B.......................................................................20
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BACKGROUND OF THE DECISION TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED MERGER
During the 10+ year history of ATG, members of the MWTG Group have worked with
ATG's customers and worked in industry implementing solutions on the ATG
platform. Most recently, a group advised by MWTG has become one of ATG's largest
stockholders. We strongly believe in the Company's greatest assets - its
customer base, strong product innovations and high customer loyalty - and we
believe these assets should be protected and profitably enhanced.
We have always had enormous respect for ATG, for the outstanding achievements of
its employees and for the culture of innovation and integrity that has
contributed to its success. As a stockholder of ATG, we believe that the ATG
board owes a duty to pursue stockholder value and to guide ATG to profitable
growth for the benefit of its stockholders. Our decision to solicit your proxy
is entirely motivated by what we believe is in the best interests of
stockholders from a financial perspective.
We began accumulating a position in the stock of the Company in November 2003.
As the value of the stock dropped from $1.52 per share on November 17, 2003, to
$1.13 on May 10, 2004, a 12 month low, MWTG began re-evaluating ATG and its
position in ATG's stock. MWTG completed its evaluation in mid-June and concluded
that the intrinsic value of ATG remained sound and that the decline in stock
price represented the market's lack of confidence in ATG's management and board.
We viewed this as an opportunity to acquire a significant position in the stock
of the Company in order to work with its board and management to create
significant value for stockholders.
On August 4, 2004, MWTG met with Mr. Edward Terino and Ms. Patricia Gilligan.
MWTG requested the meeting in the normal course of its due diligence in
gathering additional background on the Company and its management, operating
plan and financial condition. The discussions concerned ATG's independent
operations, and no pending transactions, including the proposed merger with
Primus, were discussed. In the meeting MWTG learned what it considered to be
three critical items: first, management shared MWTG's concern that the company
needed to produce profitable operations; second, MWTG learned that management
considered $30 million the minimum cash balance necessary to assure customers of
ATG's viability as a going concern; third, the planned operating expenses for
the remainder of 2004 required the Company to grow revenue by more than 25% to
achieve break even operations for 2004. In the meeting, MWTG offered its
recommendations on how ATG could achieve profitable operations by making modest
reductions in personnel expenses and more significant reductions in
non-personnel operating expenses. MWTG asked management to schedule a meeting
with Robert Burke, the Company's chief executive officer, and the board so we
could inquire about (i) the lack of direction to run the Company profitably and
(ii) better understand the board's concern for the cash position of the Company.
On August 10, 2004, we learned of the proposed merger with Primus from the
Company's press release announcing the proposed transaction. For the six weeks
following the announcement, through phone calls, letters, and a meeting with a
sub-committee of ATG's Board, we carefully considered the merits of the proposed
transaction. During these phone calls and meetings and in our letters, we voiced
our concerns to the ATG board about the need to produce a plan that exhibited
profitable operations, whether independent or combined with Primus. These
concerns were, and still are, focused on our belief that the proposed merger,
under the plan presented by management, will permanently destroy stockholder
value.
On August 11, 2004, the Company conducted a conference call with Mr. Brochu, the
Chief Executive Officer of Primus. On the call, ATG's management made three
statements that we believe to be critical: first, ATG's management saw only
$10-$15M in cost synergies in connection with the proposed merger; second, ATG's
management reiterated the importance of the $30 million cash balance, indicating
that they would be entering 2005 with a minimum of $30 million in cash; and
third, that the proposed merger would return ATG to profitability in the first
half of 2005 and for the full year for 2005.
On August 13, 2004, MWTG met with Mr. Burke. In the meeting MWTG discussed the
information from our August 4, 2004 meeting with the key senior managers
reporting to Mr. Burke. We also discussed the merger announcement. The purpose
for the meeting was to (i) meet Mr. Burke, (ii) hear his vision for the company,
(iii) hear his vision for the merger and the combined company operations, and
(iv) validate the information from the August 4, 2004 meeting. In the meeting
Mr. Burke presented the vision for ATG and the combined operations in line with
his public statements on the merger. He also reiterated the cost synergy
guidance of $10-$15 million. Finally, Mr. Burke confirmed that he deemed it
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critical that the Company maintain a cash balance of approximately $30 million
in order to give customers confidence in buying ATG's solutions. MWTG indicated
that, while we had an open mind about the merger agreement, we were concerned
that the plan for the merged companies did not justify the increased financial
and operating risk versus running ATG profitably as a stand alone entity.
Further, we requested that Mr. Burke schedule an opportunity for MWTG to present
its ideas and proposals to the board. Mr. Burke recommended that we prepare our
request for his attention and that he would take the appropriate action.
On August 18, 2004, MWTG sent its proposal by letter to Mr. Burke and requested
the board reply to the proposal by Friday, August 20, 2004. In the proposal,
MWTG requested the Company to (i) commit to greater cost reductions in its
operating plan and (ii) to make certain changes in corporate governance to make
the Company and Board more accountable to stockholders. MWTG also stated that
absent the Company working with MWTG to create a mutually acceptable solution
that MWTG could not support the proposed merger as presented by management. A
copy of the letter containing the proposal was included with the Schedule 13D of
the MWTG Group and persons advised by MWTG filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on August 24, 2004.
On August 23, 2004, Paul Shorthose, the Company's Chairman, responded to our
proposal by letter indicating that once he concluded that MWTG actually
represented the level of stockholder ownership stated in its letter dated August
18, 2004, he would discuss the matter with the board to determine an appropriate
response.
On August 24, 2004, the MWTG Group and persons advised by MWTG filed their
Schedule 13D with the SEC disclosing that the group beneficially owned 5.5% of
outstanding shares of the Company and summarizing the elements of our August 18
letter to the board indicating that the members of the group were concerned with
the proposed merger with Primus.
On August 24, 2004, MWTG sent a letter to Mr. Shorthose providing him a copy of
the Schedule 13D filing MWTG made on August 24, 2004 and again requested an
opportunity to meet with the board to (i) present our plan and (ii) to discuss a
solution that would enhance stockholder value by creating a profitable business
which would enable us to vote for the merger agreement.
On Thursday, September 9, 2004, MWTG met with Mr. Shorthose, and David Elsbree
and Phyllis Swersky, also directors of the Company, and presented its analysis
of the merger. In addition, the directors and MWTG discussed the principles the
board used to guide management in its financial and operating plan for prior
reporting periods, for independent operations in 2004, and for the merged
companies.
On Friday, September 10, 2004, the MWTG Group and persons advised by MWTG filed
an amendment to their Schedule 13D to disclose that (i) the group had increased
its ownership percentage in the Company to 5.7% and (ii) MWTG continued to
evaluate the merger. Furthermore MWTG stated that "If, based on such evaluation,
MWTG concludes that the proposed merger is not in the best interests of the
stockholders of the Company, MWTG may determine to solicit proxies against the
proposed merger at the special meeting of stockholders called by the board of
directors for that purpose."
On Thursday, September 16, 2004, Mr Shorthose extended an offer by letter, to
MWTG to execute a confidentiality and stand still agreement in order for the
Company to present material, non-public information to MWTG about the Company's
operating plan and merger plan. On Friday, September 17, 2004, MWTG spoke to Mr.
Shorthose by telephone and discussed the terms under which MWTG could execute
such an agreement, which were the same as those previously stated by MWTG under
which it could support the proposed merger.
On Monday, September 20, 2004, the MWTG Group and persons advised by MWTG filed
an amendment to their Schedule 13D declaring that after detailed analysis,
discussions with the Company's management and directors, and much thought and
deliberation, MWTG cannot support the proposed merger of the Company with Primus
as it is currently proposed and that it believes management's plan to operate
the combined business fails to justify the significantly increased operational
and financial risk to stockholders that the merger presents.
On Monday, September 20, 2004, Mr. Shorthose called MWTG to state he did not yet
have a form of confidentiality and stand still agreement for MWTG to review, but
would provide such by the end of the day on Tuesday, September 21, 2004.
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In the early evening of Tuesday, September 21, 2004, Mr. Shorthose provided MWTG
with an electronic copy of the Company's proposed confidentiality and standstill
agreement, which did not satisfy the terms under which MWTG stated it could
execute such an agreement.
We remain determined to stop the proposed merger from being implemented under
the plan presented by ATG's management. Our opposition is based on our
commitment to stockholder value and our belief, which we believe is shared by
many other stockholders, that the proposed merger, under the plan management has
proposed, is not in the best interests of ATG's stockholders. To that end, we
are soliciting your proxy to vote AGAINST the proposed merger.
REASONS TO VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSED MERGER
The following is a summary of what we believe to be the consequences of the
proposed merger. They are the primary reasons why we believe stockholders should
vote AGAINST the issuance of shares of ATG common stock in connection with the
proposed merger. WE URGE YOU TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR OPPOSITION AND SEND A MESSAGE
TO THE ATG BOARD BY SIGNING, DATING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATG'S FINANCIAL POSITION WILL DETERIORATE. In our opinion, neither ATG nor
Primus has demonstrated a management culture or commitment to profitability. The
proposed merger combines two companies with a history of losses. The combination
creates an entity with merely the possibility of greater revenue but with the
CERTAINTY of increased operating expenses. Should the additional revenue
expected by management from the merger fail to materialize or the full level of
cost reductions not be implemented, ATG's cash balance would quickly erode to a
level well below the $30 million cash level cited by management as a critical
threshold.
ATG'S STRATEGIC POSITION WILL NOT MATERIALLY IMPROVE. While the proposed merger
would enhance ATG's product portfolio, ATG would still be a software company
with less than $100 million of revenue on an enterprise basis. ATG would still
lack the size and breadth of offering required to be truly competitive in the
software industry. In addition, the weak financial position that we believe
would result from the merger would limit ATG's strategic options in the future.
THE INTEGRATION RISK OF THE PROPOSED MERGER IS SUBSTANTIAL. We believe that the
odds are against the success of this merger given management's post-merger
operating plan. The complexity of putting two companies together, in a difficult
economy, when each company is unable to consistently produce profits, presents
daunting and unacceptable challenges.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON ATG STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE NEGATIVE. Management has asked
shareholders to accept tremendous risk by approving the merger agreement
without, in our opinion, providing an action plan that would produce financial
results to justify the additional financial risk, operating risk and dilution
that would result from the merger.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATG has several valuable assets - its customer base, strong product innovations,
and high customer loyalty. We believe these assets should be protected and
profitably enhanced. The company faces challenges in managing its business, but
these challenges were known before this transaction, and management needs to
focus all of its attention on resolving them.
WE PROFOUNDLY DISAGREE, HOWEVER, WITH MANAGEMENT'S ASSERTION THAT ATG NEEDS TO
MAKE THIS ACQUISITION. TO UNDERTAKE THE PROPOSED MERGER UNDER THE CURRENTLY
PROPOSED PLAN IS TO WAGER THAT MANAGEMENT CAN GROW REVENUE IN TIME TO COVER THE
COMPANY'S COST STRUCTURE . WE HAVE SEEN LITTLE IN ATG'S MANAGEMENT'S EXPERIENCE
THAT LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE. INSTEAD, WE BELIEVE THAT THE
PROPOSED MERGER DETERIORATES THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF ATG AND DOES NOT SOLVE
KEY STRATEGIC PROBLEMS. IT CREATES IMMEDIATE RISK AND INTERMEDIATE-TERM
INCREMENTAL CHALLENGES, AND WE BELIEVE IT COMES AT A HIGH PRICE TO ATG
STOCKHOLDERS.
We do not believe that ATG should stand still. On the contrary, we believe that
ATG would benefit greatly from enhancing its product portfolio and proliferating
those products across its installed base. However, for any small software
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company to survive it must be strong - and that means it must be profitable. We
would prefer ATG focus on becoming profitable by aligning costs with realized
revenue and investing in additional operating costs only as the revenue demands
it. We believe that profitable operations would improve customers' attitudes
towards ATG, bolster the stock price and put ATG in control of its future.
ATG'S FINANCIAL POSITION WILL DETERIORATE.
We believe that neither ATG nor Primus has demonstrated a management culture or
commitment to profitability. The proposed merger combines two companies with a
history of losses.
We encourage all shareholders to carefully review the performance of ATG under
current management. Under current management, ATG has experienced (i)
consistently unprofitable operations, (ii) a steady decline in license and
maintenance revenues, (iii) significant cash balance erosion, and (iv) staffing
levels and non-personnel expenditures significantly out of line with the revenue
of the business. During the previous ten quarters, ATG and Primus have combined
to burn over $50 million in cash including $5.9 million in the most recent
quarter.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Q1 2002 Q2 2002 Q3 2002 Q4 2002 Q1 2003 Q2 2003 Q3 2003 Q4 2003 Q1 2004 Q2 2004
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
ATG -2849 -2750 -3057 -20834 -2754 6050 -3195 4077 -1787 -4247
PKSI -4822 -3165 -1576 -1679 -1130 -2704 379 528 -2964 -211
Source of data: ATG and Primus Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the
SEC.
PROTECTING THE BALANCE SHEET
ATG's enterprise customers embed the ATG product into their business processes,
often layering additional software and technologies onto the ATG platform. This
is an incredible strength of ATG because as its customers develop much of their
business on or around ATG's products, the difficulty involved in switching from
ATG to a competitor can be tremendous. Enterprise customers recognize this
characteristic and therefore perform extensive diligence on the provider,
including a financial review to ensure that the provider is a financially viable
company that will continue to operate, update and support its technologies far
into the future. In a meeting between MWTG and ATG's management, management
stated that they believed that the minimum cash required to provide the
necessary assurances of the company's viability to customers is $30 million. We
agree: in our opinion, a $30 million cash balance is the minimum cash necessary
to demonstrate to both existing and prospective customers that ATG has the
financial reserves to weather unforeseen events which could negatively impact
ATG's financial state so that it could continue to support its products.
WE BELIEVE ATG'S BALANCE SHEET IS CURRENTLY IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION WHICH WILL
ONLY DETERIORATE IF THE MERGER OCCURS UNDER MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSED PLAN. In a
press release issued on July 22, 2004, ATG stated that its balance of cash, cash
-4-
equivalents and marketable securities would dip to a range of $28 million to $30
million by September 30, 2004. During ATG's conference call regarding the merger
on August 11, 2004, Mr. Terino, the company's Chief Financial Officer, stated
that "The cash position, as of June 30, between the two companies was about $41
million. We would expect to enter 2005 with something north of $30 million." In
fact, in the joint proxy statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus contained in the
Form S-4 filed by ATG on September 22, 2004, ATG stated that as of Aug 31, 2004,
it had only $27.9 million in cash, including cash equivalents and marketable
securities. By permitting cash to fall below $30 million, we believe that
management is jeopardizing the company's ability to generate top line growth and
is neglecting its balance sheet.
In order to assess the impact on ATG's cash reserves due to the proposed merger
and associated operating plan, we developed the following cash balance analysis
to provide us insight into potential outcomes. In preparing our analysis, we
have made certain assumptions which we believe to be both reasonable and
realistic, but it is likely that ATG's management has and will continue to use
different assumptions in forecasting its financial performance, and in any
event, ATG's actual results will likely differ as our analysis is only an
estimate.
ESTIMATED CASH BALANCE ANALYSIS
-------------------------------
AMOUNT
ITEM ($ MILLIONS) NOTES
---- ------------ -----
Starting Cash - ATG (7/1/04) $32.80
Starting Cash - Primus (7/1/04) $ 8.34
-------
TOTAL STARTING CASH (7/1/04) $41.14
OPERATING CASH BURN
ATG 3Q2004 Cash Burn $ 4.00 (1)
Primus 3Q2004 Cash Burn $ 1.62 (1)
ATG 4Q2004 Cash Burn $ 3.06 (2)
Primus 4Q2004 Cash Burn $ 1.24 (2)
-------
TOTAL Q3/Q4 2004 CASH BURN $ 9.92
TOTAL TRANSACTION CASH EXPENSES $ 5.00 (3)
ESTIMATED CASH ON 12/31/04 $ 26.22
NOTES
-----
(1) For purposes of our analysis, we have estimated the cash burn
rate for each of ATG and Primus for the third quarter 2004 to be
42.5% of their actual cash burn rates for the first six months of
2004, because we have assumed that the third quarter 2004 cash burn
will not be as severe due to increased management attention to cash
burn following the merger.
(2) We have estimated the cash burn rate for each of ATG and Primus
for the fourth quarter 2004 to be only 32.5% of the actual burn
rates for the first six months of 2004, because we have assumed that
the rate will continue to improve in the fourth quarter due to
increased management attention to cash burn following the merger.
(3) This represents the low end of the cash transaction expense
range estimated by ATG in its August 11, 2004 conference call
regarding the proposed merger.
Our analysis indicates that ATG's cash balance may drop further below the $30
million threshold that we believe is critical for the company. Should challenges
arise during third or fourth quarters of 2004 that reduce revenue, impede cost
reductions or push transaction costs to the high end of the range estimated by
management ($7 million), the additional depletion of the cash balance may cause
customers or prospective customers to question the viability of ATG. Uncertainty
regarding ATG's ability to continue as a going concern would jeopardize top line
growth and profitability, and threaten the continued existence of company.
However, our analysis is based on estimates and assumptions, which although we
believe to be reasonable, may differ from the estimates and assumptions used by
management or by other stockholders in evaluating the financial position of the
company and will likely differ from actual results. Therefore, we encourage each
stockholder to review closely the financial information made available by ATG
-5-
and to consider for themselves the impact of the proposed merger on ATG's level
of cash reserves.
COST STRUCTURE
The operating plan for the combined companies post merger does not properly
align expenses with revenue thereby increasing the financial risk of the merger.
ATG HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN UNABLE TO ALIGN ITS EXPENSES WITH REALIZED REVENUE.
ATG's revenues have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past and are
likely to vary significantly quarter to quarter in the future. Because of these
fluctuations, it is important that expenses be managed closely to minimize
losses. However, ATG has had difficulty achieving the proper mix of revenue and
expenses to provide consistent profits. Instead of reducing expenses to match
realistic expectations of revenue in order to generate profits, the proposed
post-merger operating plan requires revenue growth to support the cost
structure. This has been the approach to the cost structure at ATG for sometime.
For example, during the second quarter 2004 ATG earnings conference call on July
22, 2004, when questioned by an analyst regarding the appropriateness of making
cost reductions in sales and marketing, Robert. Burke, ATG's chief executive
officer, responded: "... our track that we are on right now is to lower it as a
percent of overall revenues by increasing revenues." We believe that this
strategy cannot be successful over a long period of time without severe dilution
to shareholders
The philosophy of growing revenue to support the cost structure is a key element
of the proposed merger. In management's opinion, as reflected in its forecasts,
the combined companies will experience revenue growth in the first quarter of
2005 that will in turn support the cost structure and make the company
profitable. However, if the forecasted revenue fails to materialize, the company
will use more cash, further aggravating the cash balance issue discussed earlier
and threatening the viability of the company. To attempt to understand the risk
the shareholders are taking under that philosophy, management forecasts must be
reconciled with realized results, and analysis of earnings calls and press
releases regarding company guidance on revenue, expenses and cash balances shows
that there is a high degree of error in those forecasts.
ATG quarterly guidance on revenue has been inaccurate three out of the last four
quarters. Full year guidance has been inaccurate as well:
2002 Forecasts vs. Actual Performance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 Full Year Revenue
------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Forecast Forecast Forecast Actual
(1/24/2002) (April 25, 2002) (July 25, 2002) Performance Difference
----------- ---------------- --------------- ----------- ----------
------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
$130 - $140 million $105 - $120 million $110 - $130 million $101.5 million (22%)
------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
On January 24, 2002, management guided toward full year revenue of $130 million
to $140 million for 2002 and profitability in the second half of 2002. On April
25, 2002, management guided downward to full year revenue of $105 million to
$120 million for 2002 and reiterated its guidance towards profitability in the
second half of 2002. On July 25, 2002, in its second quarter earnings call,
management revised its forecast to full year revenue of $110 million to $130
million for 2002 and reiterated its guidance towards profitability in the second
half of 2002.
2002 full year actual revenue was only $101.5 million - 22% below initial
guidance and 7% below the revised guidance. The second half of 2002 also
produced a loss of $24.8 million - $24.8 million less than guidance
-6-
2003 Forecast vs. Actual Performance
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
Forecast Actual
(3/28/2003) Performance
----------- -----------
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
Revenues to decrease "slightly" $72.5 million - a 28.6% decrease from 2002
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
Sales and marketing expense of 38% to 41% of total revenues 43% of revenue - 5% higher as a percentage of revenue
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
General and administrative expenses trend "slightly" lower 13% of revenues - over 18% higher as a percentage of
as percentage of total revenues revenue
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
On Mar 28, 2003, in its annual report to shareholders, ATG's management stated
that:
o "We expect total revenues to decrease slightly in 2003"
o "We expect that sales and marketing expenses in 2003 will be in the range
of 38% to 41% as a percentage of total revenues."
o "[W]e anticipate that general and administrative expenses will trend
slightly lower as a percentage of total revenues and in absolute dollars in
2003.."
2003 full year revenue was only $72.5 million - 28.6% below 2002 revenue. Sales
and marketing expenses were 43% of revenue - almost 5% greater than forecasted
as a percentage of revenue. General and administrative expenses were 13% of
revenue - over 18% higher than forecasted as a percentage of revenue
2004 Forecast vs. Actual Performance
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Forecast Actual Performance
(3/15/2004) Through 6/30/2004
----------- -----------------
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Revenues to increase $31.1 million
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Sales and marketing expenses of 37% to 40% of total 46% of revenues
revenues
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
On March 15, 2004 in its annual report to shareholders, management stated:
o "We expect total revenues to increase in 2004 as we launch new products..."
o "We expect that sales and marketing expenses in 2004 will be in the range
of 37% to 40% as a percentage of total revenues."
For the first 6 months of 2004 revenue was $31.1 million. Even assuming 15%
growth quarter over quarter in both the third and fourth quarters, 2004 revenue
will still fall short of 2003 revenue. Sales and marketing expenses were over
46% as a percentage of revenue through the first 6 months of 2004.
ATG guidance on full year results has proved incorrect the last two years, and
we believe it is unlikely that ATG will meet the 2004 guidance it provided
earlier in 2004. We understand that forecasts are merely estimates, and we do
not have expectations of 100% accuracy. However, management has made the
forecasts more serious and important because ATG's cost structure is based on
these forecasts instead of the actual revenue being generated by the company.
During the August 11, 2004 conference call related to the proposed merger, ATG's
management stated that the combined revenue run rate was $90.6 million based on
the prior four quarters and that the combined spending was $26.5 million per
quarter based on the most recent quarter. Management's initial operating budget
post merger targeted spending of $90 million to $95 million once $10 million to
$15 million is cost synergies was realized. Using these assumptions, financial
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performance would have been flat to loss-making. On September 23, 2004, ATG's
management revised its estimate of cost synergies to the range of $15 million to
$17 million. Using revenue for the first 6 months of 2004 and spending for the
same period to calculate the run rate, the combined companies would have an
annual revenue run rate of $85.9 million and spending of $107.2 million
annually. If $15 million to $17 million in cost synergies are then deducted and
$3 million in amortization expense are excluded, we estimate costs will be in
the $85 million to $90 million range for the combined entity -flat to $4.1
million ABOVE revenue. Therefore, to achieve profitability for the combined
companies, significant growth in revenue without additional growth in costs is
required, which we believe puts the company's ability to achieve profitability
at risk.
Management's financial basis for the merger is that the acquired revenue
TOGETHER WITH FORECASTS OF REVENUE GROWTH support the planned expenses. However,
the combination creates an entity with merely the possibility of greater revenue
but with the CERTAINTY of increased operating expenses. Under management's
proposed plan, if the additional revenue fails to materialize or the level of
cost reductions does not meet targets, ATG's net cash balance would quickly
erode to a level well below the $30 million threshold.
Management has consistently been unable to accurately forecast the Company's
revenues. Management and the board cannot expect shareholders to keep waiting
until "next year" for profitable operations. Approving the merger under
management's proposed plan could lead to significant financial stress on the
company. Continued unprofitable operations, as provided for in management's plan
for the merged companies, may cause further balance sheet erosion. Weakening the
balance sheet increases the risk of failing to achieve future revenue targets as
enterprise customers lose confidence in the viability of the company. This
vicious cycle may severely limit the Company's future strategic alternatives. We
believe it is imprudent to take such risks when the cash balance is already in
jeopardy.
ATG'S STRATEGIC POSITION WILL NOT MATERIALLY IMPROVE.
While the proposed merger would enhance ATG's product portfolio, ATG would still
be a software company with less than $100 million of revenue on an enterprise
basis. We believe that at this level ATG would still lack the size and breadth
of offering it requires to be truly competitive in the software industry. In
addition, the weak financial position would limit ATG's strategic options in the
future.
We appreciate that the marriage of ATG's and Primus's technology presents
attractive opportunities, but this will be of little value to shareholders if
the foundation of the underlying operating business remains weak. We encourage
shareholders, in considering the strength of the technology marriage,
particularly as discussed in analyst opinions, to also consider the capability
of the Company's management to run an operationally sound business. If the
combined company cannot operate profitably, then we believe building out the
product portfolio and revenue line with this acquisition fails to add value, it
destroys value.
THE INTEGRATION RISK OF THE PROPOSED MERGER IS SUBSTANTIAL.
We believe that the odds are against the success of this merger given
management's post-merger operating plan. The complexity of putting two companies
together, in a difficult economy, when each company is unable to consistently
produce profits, presents daunting challenges. Management must transition Primus
employees, processes and resources, address the technical integration of the
Primus product, court clients to maintain relationships during the transition,
implement cost cuts, and - most significantly - grow revenue to support the cost
structure. Based on the post-merger operating plan, we believe there is no room
for error because of the already depleted cash balance and the inflated cost
structure.
ATG's management team has no experience or track record at ATG as a successful
acquisition and build-up team. For the integration to be successful, both the
targeted cost synergies and the forecasted revenue must be achieved. This would
be an intimidating task for even a seasoned and experienced management team.
ATG's management team has never worked together on integrating an acquisition of
this type before and we believe that the likelihood of their delivering a
perfect transition is extremely low, causing us serious concern.
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THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON ATG STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE NEGATIVE.
Management has asked shareholders to accept tremendous risk by approving the
merger agreement without, in our opinion, providing an action plan that would
produce financial results to justify the additional financial risk, operating
risk and dilution that would result from the merger.
WE BELIEVE THE PROPOSED MERGER DOES NOT OFFER AN ATTRACTIVE RETURN ON A
RISK-ADJUSTED BASIS. The proposed merger requires management to spend both time
and talent to transition and integrate Primus while assuring clients and
prospective customers that ATG's and Primus's products and customer service will
not deteriorate, AND, in order to become profitable, grow revenue at the same
time. The merger creates an entity, that relative to ATG alone, is more complex,
has an increased cost structure and threatens the company's already precarious
cash reserves. The aforementioned factors negatively impact the risk profile of
the business, increasing the risks that shareholders must accept without a
commensurate increase in expected return. The change in value on a risk-adjusted
basis destroys value for the current shareholders and will continue to depress
the value of the stock as long as the condition persists.
The risk to the balance sheet and the risk to the business overall are simply
too great in our opinion to justify this merger under management's proposed plan
of operations for the combined companies. In the past, management has been
unable to accurately forecast revenue and depleted the cash balance as a result,
but at the time, the cash balance was well above critical levels. Today, the
cash position is not nearly as robust as it once was. A missed revenue forecast
or an unexpected increase in costs could have devastating consequences for the
company, and therefore we have concluded that the merger is an unacceptable
risk.
CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPOSED MERGER
The foregoing description is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the agreement and plan of merger among ATG,
Autobahn Acquisition, Inc. and Primus, dated August 10, 2004, a copy of which is
attached as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus
contained in the Form S-4 filed by ATG on September 22, 2004.
The merger agreement provides for the acquisition of Primus by ATG through the
merger of Autobahn Acquisition, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ATG, into
Primus. Primus will be the surviving corporation in the merger. If the merger is
approved by the stockholders of ATG and Primus, when the merger is effective,
each outstanding share of Primus common stock would be converted automatically
into a number of shares of ATG common stock, based on the applicable exchange
ratio, as described below. No fractional shares of ATG common stock would be
issued. In lieu of a fractional share, ATG would pay in cash, rounded to the
nearest whole cent, an amount equal to the fraction multiplied by the average
closing price of one share of ATG common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for
the fifteen trading days before the closing of the merger.
The consideration paid to Primus stockholders in the merger, other than cash in
lieu of fractional shares, would consist entirely of shares of ATG common stock.
The aggregate number of shares of ATG common stock actually issued would vary
based upon the applicable exchange ratio, which may change based on changes in
Primus' working capital as described below, and the number of shares of Primus
common stock outstanding at the completion of the merger, which may change
between signing and closing for a number of reasons, including option exercises,
stock repurchases and warrant exercises. The per-share value of ATG common stock
may also change based on changes in its trading price in the same time period.
The exchange ratio, which represents the number of shares of ATG common stock to
be issued in exchange for each share of Primus common stock, would be between
1.4169 and 1.2976. The final exchange ratio will be determined based upon the
amount of Primus' adjusted working capital, as defined in the merger agreement,
immediately prior to the commencement of business on October 15, 2004, which is
the fifth business day prior to the date fixed for the Primus stockholder
meeting. This date is referred to in the merger agreement as the measurement
date.
If Primus' adjusted working capital at the measurement date is positive, or is a
working capital deficiency equal to or lesser in magnitude than $(1.0 million),
the exchange ratio will be 1.4169. If Primus' adjusted working capital at the
measurement date is a working capital deficiency greater in magnitude than $(1.0
million), the merger ratio will be adjusted downward. The amount by which
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Primus' adjusted working capital deficiency exceeds the $(1.0 million) standard
is referred to in the merger agreement as a working capital deficiency. If a
working capital deficiency, as defined in the merger agreement, exists, the
exchange ratio is determined as follows:
o If the working capital deficiency is greater than zero and less than
or equal to $2.5 million, the exchange ratio will be equal to 1.3567;
o If the working capital deficiency is greater than $2.5 million, the
exchange ratio will be equal to 1.3567 minus the product of:
o 0.0000004328 multiplied by;
o the amount by which such working capital deficiency exceeds $2.5
million.
o In no event will the exchange ratio be less than 1.2976.
VOTING PROCEDURES
To vote AGAINST the proposed merger at the special meeting, please sign and date
the enclosed BLUE proxy card and return it to Innisfree M&A, Incorporated in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope. Submitting a proxy will not affect your right to
attend the special meeting and vote in person.
HOW DO I VOTE IN PERSON?
If you are the stockholder of record of ATG common stock on the record date,
September 9, 2004, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Please
refer to the instructions provided to you by ATG for specific instructions for
voting in person at the special meeting.
HOW DO I VOTE BY PROXY?
To vote by proxy, you should complete, sign and date the enclosed BLUE proxy
card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. To be able to
vote your shares in accordance with your instructions at the special meeting, we
must receive your proxy as soon as possible but in any event prior to your
shares being voted at the meeting. You may vote your shares without submitting a
proxy to us if you vote in person, submit a proxy to the secretary of ATG or, in
some cases, if you provide appropriate instructions to the record holder of your
shares.
WHAT IF I AM NOT THE RECORD HOLDER OF MY SHARES?
If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or other
institution, only it can give a proxy with respect to your shares. You may have
received either a BLUE proxy card from the record holder (which you can complete
and send directly to Innisfree M&A) or an instruction card (which you can
complete and return to the record holder to direct its voting of your shares).
If the record holder has not sent you either a BLUE proxy card or an instruction
card, you may contact the record holder directly to provide it with
instructions.
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies
of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards.
For example, if you hold shares in more than one brokerage account, you may
receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which
shares are held. You should complete, sign, date and return each BLUE proxy card
and voting instruction card they receive.
If you need assistance, please contact Innisfree M&A by telephone at
1-888-___-____.
If you do not have record ownership of your shares and want to vote in person at
the special meeting, you may obtain a document called a "legal proxy" from the
record holder of your shares and bring it to the special meeting. If you need
assistance, please contact our solicitor, Innisfree M&A, by telephone at
1-888-___-____.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE A WHITE PROXY CARD FROM ATG'S MANAGEMENT?
Proxies on the white proxy card are being solicited by ATG's management. If you
submit a proxy to us by signing and returning the enclosed BLUE proxy card, do
not sign or return the white proxy card or follow any voting instructions
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provided by ATG unless you intend to change your vote, because only your
latest-dated proxy will be counted.
If you have already sent a white proxy card to ATG and voted in favor of the
proposed merger, you may revoke it and vote against the proposed merger by
signing, dating and returning the enclosed BLUE proxy card.
WHAT IF I WANT TO REVOKE MY PROXY OR CHANGE MY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is voted on your
behalf. You may do so by:
o delivering a later-dated proxy to either Innisfree M&A or the
secretary of ATG; or
o delivering a written notice of revocation to either Innisfree M&A or
the secretary of ATG; or
o logging on to the internet or calling the telephone number on the
proxy card in the same manner utilized to submit the proxy
electronically and changing your votes; or
o voting in person at the special meeting.
If you hold your shares in street name, you may change your vote by:
o submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee; or
o attending the special meeting and voting in person, provided you have
obtained a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to
vote your shares.
If you choose to revoke a proxy by giving written notice or a later-dated proxy
to the secretary of ATG, by logging on to the internet or calling the telephone
number on the proxy card in the same manner utilized to submit the proxy
electronically and changing your votes; or by submitting new voting instructions
to your broker or nominee, we would appreciate if you would assist us in
representing the interests of stockholders on an informed basis by sending us a
copy of your revocation, proxy or new voting instructions or by calling
Innisfree M&A at 1-888-___-____. REMEMBER, YOUR LATEST-DATED PROXY IS THE ONLY
ONE THAT COUNTS.
IF I PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, SHOULD I STILL SUBMIT A PROXY?
Whether you plan to attend the special meeting or not, we urge you to submit a
proxy. Returning the enclosed proxy card will not affect your right to attend
the special meeting and vote.
WHO CAN VOTE?
You are eligible to vote or to execute a proxy only if you owned ATG common
stock on the record date for the special meeting, September 9, 2004. Even if you
sell your shares after the record date, you will retain the right to execute a
proxy in connection with the special meeting. It is important that you grant a
proxy regarding shares you held on the record date, or vote those shares in
person, even if you no longer own those shares. Based upon the joint proxy
statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus, on September 9, 2004, the record date
for the special meeting, 73,889,870 shares of ATG common stock were issued and
outstanding, and no shares of ATG preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
HOW MANY VOTES DO I HAVE?
With respect to each matter to be considered at the special meeting, you are
entitled to one vote for each share of ATG common stock owned on the record
date. Based on documents publicly filed by ATG, ATG has no outstanding voting
securities other than its common stock.
HOW WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED?
If you give a proxy on the accompanying BLUE proxy card, your shares will be
voted as you direct. If you submit a signed BLUE proxy to Innisfree M&A without
instructions, your shares will be voted AGAINST the proposal to approve the
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issuance of shares of ATG common stock in connection with the proposed merger.
Submitting a signed BLUE proxy card will also entitle James Dennedy and Richard
Rofe to vote your shares in accordance with their discretion on matters not
described in this proxy statement that properly come before the special meeting
or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.
If ATG stockholders holding shares of ATG common stock in street name do not
provide voting instructions, their shares will not be voted and will therefore
be considered broker "non-votes."
Unless a proxy specifies otherwise, it will be presumed to relate to all shares
held of record on the record date by the person who submitted it.
If you give a proxy on the accompanying BLUE proxy card, your shares will be
voted against any proposal to postpone or adjourn the special meeting if such
proposal is made to facilitate the approval of the issuance of additional shares
in connection with the proposed merger.
WHAT IS A QUORUM AND WHY IS IT NECESSARY?
In order to conduct business at the special meeting of stockholders of ATG, a
quorum must be present. A majority of the shares of ATG common stock issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting, whether present in person or
represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business
at the special meeting. ATG will treat shares of ATG common stock represented by
a properly signed and returned proxy or proxy properly submitted electronically
as present at the special meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a
quorum at the meeting. In general, ATG will count abstentions and broker
non-votes as present or represented in determining the existence of a quorum. A
non-vote occurs when a broker or nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner
does not vote on a proposal because the broker or nominee does not have
discretionary voting power for that proposal and has not received instructions
from the beneficial owner with respect to the proposal.
WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL AND HOW WILL VOTES BE COUNTED?
The following description has been taken from the joint proxy
statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus contained in the Form S-4 filed by ATG on
September 22, 2004.
The approval of the issuance of ATG common stock pursuant to the merger and the
other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the grant of
authority to adjourn the special meeting will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares properly cast at the special meeting. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will not count as votes cast on these proposals and,
accordingly, will not affect the outcome of the votes on these proposals.
ATG's transfer agent, EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., will tabulate the votes on
each proposal. EquiServe will tabulate the vote on each matter submitted to
stockholders separately.
CAN THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED OR POSTPONED?
ATG stockholders may be asked to vote upon a proposal to adjourn or postpone the
ATG special meeting. Any adjournment or postponement could be for the purpose of
allowing additional time for soliciting votes from ATG stockholders to approve
the issuance of shares of ATG common stock in connection with the proposed
merger or to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed merger that
ATG and Primus elect to satisfy prior to seeking a vote of the ATG stockholders
in connection with the proposed merger.
ATG advises in the joint proxy statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus contained
in the Form S-4 filed by ATG on September 22, 2004, that if a quorum is not
present at the special meeting, the special meeting will be adjourned or
postponed to enable the ATG board of directors to solicit additional proxies,
and if a quorum is present but the number of shares voting in favor of the
issuance of the ATG common stock pursuant to the merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement is insufficient to approve the
proposal, then, if the adjournment proposal has received the affirmative vote of
a majority of the shares of ATG common stock properly cast on that proposal,
ATG's management will have the discretion to adjourn the special meeting to a
date or dates not later than November 21, 2004 to provide ATG's board of
directors additional time to solicit proxies in favor of the issuance of the ATG
common stock.
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If you give a proxy on the accompanying BLUE proxy card, your shares will be
voted against any proposal to postpone or adjourn the special meeting if such
proposal is made to facilitate the approval of the issuance of additional shares
in connection with the proposed merger.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any questions about giving your proxy or about our solicitation, or
if you require assistance, please call Innisfree M&A at 1-888-___-____.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
According to the joint proxy statement/propsectus of ATG and Primus contained in
the Form S-4 filed by ATG on September 22, 2004, holders of ATG common stock are
not entitled to appraisal or dissenters' rights in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or the adjournment proposal.
PROXY SOLICITATION AND EXPENSES
Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, telefax, telegraph, the Internet,
newspapers and other publications of general distribution and in person. The
persons listed in Annex A, who are or may be deemed to be participants in the
solicitation, may assist in the solicitation of proxies without additional
remuneration, except as otherwise set forth in this proxy statement.
In connection with this solicitation of proxies, banks, brokers, custodians,
nominees, other institutional holders and other fiduciaries will be asked to
forward all soliciting materials to the beneficial owners of the shares that
those institutions hold of record. MWTG will reimburse those institutions for
reasonable expenses that they incur in connection with forwarding these
materials.
MWTG has retained Innisfree M&A, Incorporated to solicit proxies in connection
with the special meeting. Innisfree M&A may solicit proxies from individuals,
banks, brokers, custodians, nominees, other institutional holders and other
fiduciaries and will employ approximately 5 people in its efforts. MWTG has
agreed to pay Innisfree M&A a fee of approximately $50,000, plus reimbursement
for its reasonable expenses, and to indemnify it against certain losses, costs
and expenses in connection with the proxy solicitation.
In addition to the costs related to the engagement of Innisfree M&A, costs
related to this solicitation of proxies include expenditures for printing,
postage, legal services and other related items. Total expenditures are expected
to be approximately $100,000. Total payment of costs to date in furtherance of
our proxy solicitation is approximately $25,000. The expense of this proxy
solicitation is being borne by the persons listed in Annex A.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Mitchell-Wright, LLC, SSH Partners I, LP, Arcadia Partners, L.P., Arcadia
Capital Management, LLC, James Dennedy and Richard Rofe are participants in the
solicitation of proxies for the special meeting within the meaning of the
federal securities laws. Certain other entities identified in Annex A to this
proxy statement may also be deemed to be participants in such solicitation.
Information concerning Mitchell-Wright, LLC, SSH Partners I, LP, Arcadia
Partners, L.P., Arcadia Capital Management, LLC, James Dennedy and Richard Rofe
and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of
proxies for the special meeting, including their beneficial ownership of ATG
common stock, is set forth in Annex A to this proxy statement and is
incorporated into this proxy statement by reference. Information in this proxy
statement about each person who is or may be deemed a participant was provided
by that person.
INFORMATION ABOUT ATG
Based upon information provided in ATG's Form S-4 filed on September 22, 2004,
the mailing address of the principal executive offices of ATG is 25 First
Street, Second Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, telephone (617) 386-1000.
Annex B to this proxy statement sets forth information obtained from ATG's
public filings related to the beneficial ownership of ATG common stock and is
incorporated in this proxy statement by reference.
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Except as otherwise noted herein, the information in this proxy statement
concerning ATG has been taken from or is based upon documents and records on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other publicly available
information. Although we do not have any knowledge indicating that any statement
contained herein is untrue, we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy
or completeness of statements taken from public documents and records that were
not prepared by or on its behalf, or for any failure by ATG to disclose events
that may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.
SUBMISSION OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Under SEC rules, a stockholder who intends to present a proposal, including
nomination of a director, at ATG's 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and who
wishes the proposal to be included in the proxy statement for that meeting must
submit the proposal in writing to ATG's Secretary at 25 First Street, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02141, prior to December 9, 2004. SEC rules set standards for the
types of stockholder proposals and the information that must be provided by the
stockholder making the request.
A stockholder may also submit a proposal to be considered at ATG's 2005 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to its by-laws, which provide that the proposal
must be received by ATG's Secretary not less than sixty days nor more than
ninety days prior to that meeting. This notice must include the information
required by the provisions of ATG's by-laws, a copy of which may be obtained by
writing to ATG's Secretary at the address specified above. ATG has not yet set a
date for its 2005 Annual Meeting. If the 2005 Annual Meeting were to be held on
May 18, 2005, the Friday before the anniversary of the 2004 Annual Meeting, the
deadline for delivery of a stockholder proposal pursuant to ATG's by-laws would
be March 20, 2005. If a proposal is submitted pursuant to ATG's by-laws but
after December 9, 2004, the stockholder may not require that the proposal be
included in the proxy statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON
We are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the special meeting.
If, however, other matters are properly brought before the ATG special meeting
or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, the persons named as
proxy holders, James Dennedy and Richard Rofe will have discretion to act on
those matters.
* * * * * *
WE URGE YOU TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AGAINST THE PROPOSED MERGER BY SIGNING, DATING
AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
PROVIDED.
Questions or requests for additional copies of this proxy statement should be
directed to:
INNISFREE M&A, INCORPORATED
501 MADISON AVENUE
20TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10022
TOLL FREE: 1-888-___-____
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ANNEX A
INFORMATION CONCERNING MITCHELL-WRIGHT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC,
MITCHELL-WRIGHT, LLC, SSH PARTNERS I, LP, ARCADIA PARTNERS, L.P.,
ARCADIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, JAMES DENNEDY AND RICHARD ROFE,
AND OTHER PERSONS WHO MAY PARTICIPANTS IN THIS SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC, SSH Partners I, LP, James Dennedy,
Arcadia Partners, L.P., Richard Rofe, are participants in the solicitation of
proxies for the special meeting within the meaning of the federal securities
laws.
Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company
that is engaged in money management and investment advisory services for third
parties. It is also the general partner of SSH Partners I, LP. The address of
the principal offices of Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC is 8060
Montgomery Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH 45236.
SSH Partners I, L.P., is a Delaware limited liability engaged in investing in
undervalued companies especially those in enterprise software or other
technology businesses and taking an active role in the management of portfolio
companies in order to enhance stockholder value. The address of the principal
offices of SSH Partners I, L.P. is 8060 Montgomery Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati,
OH 45236.
Mitchell-Wright, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed for
the purpose of being and is the Managing Member of Mitchell-Wright Technology
Group, LLC. The address of the principal offices of Mitchell-Wright, LLC is 8060
Montgomery Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH 45236.
James Dennedy is a United States citizen whose business address is 8060
Montgomery Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH 45236. Mr. Dennedy's principal
occupation is serving as a founding and managing member of Mitchell-Wright, LLC.
Between November 17, 2003 and January 12, 2004, shares of ATG common stock were
also beneficially owned by Broken Arrow II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company previously engaged in investing in undervalued companies, which Mr.
Dennedy controlled as the managing member of Mitchell-Wright Technology Group,
LLC, its ultimate parent. Specifically, Broken Arrow II, LLC, was wholly-owned
by Strategic Software Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
formed for the purpose of serving as the sole member of Broken Arrow II, LLC.
Strategic Software Holdings II, LLC, was wholly-owned by Mitchell-Wright, LLC.
The address of the principal offices of Broken Arrow II, LLC and Strategic
Software Holdings II, LLC, was 8060 Montgomery Road, Suite 205, Cincinnati, OH
45236.
Arcadia Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership engaged in investing in
public equities using various strategies. The address of the principal business
and principal offices of Arcadia Partners, L.P. is 185 Great Neck Road, Suite
460, Great Neck, NY 11021.
Arcadia Capital Management, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company which
was formed to serve as and is the general partner of Arcadia Partners, L.P. The
address of the principal business and principal offices of Arcadia Capital
Management, LLC is 185 Great Neck Road, Suite 460, Great Neck, NY 11021.
Richard Rofe is a United States citizen whose business address is 185 Great Neck
Road, Suite 460, Great Neck, NY 11021. Mr. Rofe's is the sole member of Arcadia
Capital Management, LLC, and his principal occupation is serving as a founding
member of Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC.
Parche, LLC, Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC, Admiral Advisors, LLC or
Ramius Capital Group, LLC may also be deemed participants in the solicitation of
proxies for the special meeting. However, none of Parche, LLC, Starboard Value &
Opportunity Fund, LLC, Admiral Advisors, LLC or Ramius Capital Group, LLC,
directly or indirectly, is or intends to solicit proxies, take the initiative,
or engage, in organizing, directing or arrangement for the financing of the
solicitation of proxies for the special meeting. However, each of these entities
was a reporting person under the Schedule 13D filed by the other participants
named above on August 24, 2004, as amended on September 9 and September 20,
2004, because Parche, LLC and Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC have
received and will continue to receive advice from MWTG in connection with their
investments in ATG's common stock. Admiral Advisors, LLC is the managing member
of each of Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC and Parche, LLC, and Ramius
Capital Group, LLC is the sole member of Admiral Advisors, LLC. Accordingly each
of these entities may be deemed to be part of a beneficial ownership group with
MWTG for purposes of Schedule 13D and may be deemed to be participants in the
solicitation of proxies for the special meeting within the meaning of the
federal securities laws.
Each of Parche, LLC, Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC, Admiral Advisors,
LLC or Ramius Capital Group, LLC disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of
common stock not held of record by them. The inclusion of these entities as
deemed participants in this proxy statement shall not be construed as an
admission that any such entity is the beneficial owner of any such securities or
that any such entity, directly or indirectly, is or intends to solicit proxies,
take the initiative, or engage, in organizing, directing or arrangement for the
financing of the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting.
Each of Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC and Parche, LLC is a Delaware
limited liability company formed for the purpose of making equity investments
and, on occasion, taking an active role in the management of portfolio companies
in order to enhance stockholder value. The address of the principal offices of
Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC and Parche, LLC is 666 Third Avenue,
26th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
The managing member of each of Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC and
Parche, LLC is Admiral Advisors, LLC. The sole member of Admiral Advisors, LLC
is Ramius Capital Group, LLC. Each of Admiral Advisors, LLC and Ramius Capital
Group, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that is engaged in money
management and investment advisory services for third parties and proprietary
accounts. The address of the principal offices of each of Admiral Advisors, LLC
and Ramius Capital Group, LLC is 666 Third Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, New
York 10017.
INTERESTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE OR MAY BE DEEMED TO BE PARTICIPANTS IN THE
SOLICITATION
SSH Partners I, LP, Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC, Mitchell-Wright, LLC,
James Dennedy, Arcadia Partners, L.P., Arcadia Capital Management, LLC, Richard
Rofe, Parche, LLC, Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC, Admiral Advisors,
LLC, and Ramius Capital Group, LLC have direct and indirect beneficial ownership
of shares of common stock of ATG. See "Beneficial Ownership of ATG Common Stock
by Persons Who Are or May Be Deemed to Be Participants in the Solicitation"
below.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF ATG COMMON STOCK BY PERSONS WHO ARE OR MAY BE DEEMED TO
BE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
As of September 27, 2004, the persons below had beneficial ownership of ATG
common stock as follows:
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
NAME BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1), (2) OWNERSHIP(3)
---- --------------------------- ------------
SSH Partners I, L.P. 125,000(4) *
James Dennedy 145,000 *
Arcadia Capital Partners, L.P. 36,744(5) *
Richard Rofe 172,244(6) *
Parche, LLC 632,776 *
Starboard Value & Opportunity Fund, LLC 3,322,080 4.5%
Ramius Capital Group, LLC 3,954,856(7) 5.4%
* Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to
securities. Shares of common stock subject to stock options and
warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed
outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any
group of which the holder is a member, but are not deemed outstanding
for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as
indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where
applicable, the persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as
beneficially owned by them.
(2) Under the rules of the SEC, the participants may be deemed to be
members of a group and, as a result, each participant may be deemed to
beneficially own shares of common stock beneficially owned by each of
the other participants. Each participant disclaims beneficial ownership
of the shares of common stock beneficially owned by any of the other
participants.
(3) Calculated based on 73,889,870 shares of common stock reported by ATG
to be issued and outstanding as of September 9, 2004, in the joint
proxy statement/prospectus of ATG and Primus contained in the Form S-4
filed by ATG on September 22, 2004.
(4) These shares may also be deemed to be beneficially owned by
Mitchell-Wright Technology Group, LLC, Mitchell-Wright, LLC and James
Dennedy, pursuant to the relationship described above.
(5) Includes the 125,000 shares of ATG common stock beneficially owned by
SSH Partners I, L.P.
(6) Includes the 36,744 owned by Arcadia Capital Partners, L.P. which may
also be deemed to be owned by Arcadia Capital Management, LLC and
Richard Rofe pursuant to the relationships described above.
(7) Includes the 632,776 shares beneficially owned by Parche, LLC and the
3,322,080 shares beneficially owned by Starboard Value & Opportunity
Fund, LLC, which may also be deemed beneficially owned by Admiral
Advisors, LLC and Ramius Capital Group, LLC pursuant to the
relationships described above. Admiral Advisors, LLC and Ramius Capital
Group, LLC share voting and dispositive power with respect to such
shares.
No participant and no associate of any participant (within the meaning of the
federal proxy rules) beneficially owns any securities of ATG other than common
stock (and the accompanying rights under ATG's rights agreement). No participant
beneficially owns any securities of any parent or subsidiary of ATG. No
participant has record but not beneficial ownership with respect to any
securities of ATG.
TRANSACTIONS IN ATG SECURITIES
Other than the transactions described below, no participant has purchased or
sold any securities of ATG in the past two years.
TRANSACTIONS IN ATG
COMMON STOCK BY PARTICIPANTS
----------------------------
DATE OF NATURE OF NUMBER OF SHARES OF
NAME OF PARTICIPANT TRANSACTION TRANSACTION ATG COMMON STOCK
------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Broken Arrow II, LLC 11/17/2003 Buy 47,699
Broken Arrow II, LLC 11/17/2003 Buy 30,400
Broken Arrow II, LLC 11/18/2003 Buy 14,730
Broken Arrow II, LLC 1/6/2004 Sell (31,250)
Broken Arrow II, LLC 1/12/2004 Sell (61,549)
James Dennedy 2/27/2004 Buy 35
James Dennedy 3/9/2004 Buy 10,000
James Dennedy 3/11/2004 Buy 100
James Dennedy 3/11/2004 Buy 5,000
James Dennedy 3/11/2004 Buy 785
James Dennedy 3/11/2004 Buy 3,915
James Dennedy 3/11/2004 Buy 165
SSH Partners I, L.P. 3/10/2004 Buy 100,000
SSH Partners I, L.P. 8/11/2004 Buy 25,000
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 3/9/2004 Buy 10,000
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 7/7/2004 Buy 10,300
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 7/8/2004 Buy 4,700
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 8/9/2004 Buy 2,500
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 8/10/2004 Buy 2,477
Arcadia Partners, L.P. 8/16/2004 Buy 6,500
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 20,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 01/28/2004 Buy 15,000
Richard Rofe 02/20/2004 Buy 15,000
Richard Rofe 02/25/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 03/01/2004 Sell (10,000)
Richard Rofe 03/09/2004 Buy 10,000
Richard Rofe 03/11/2004 Buy 5,132
Richard Rofe 03/22/2004 Buy 1,520
Richard Rofe 04/22/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/22/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/23/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/23/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/23/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/26/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/26/2004 Sell (5,000)
Richard Rofe 04/29/2004 Buy 5,453
Richard Rofe 04/29/2004 Buy 1,000
Richard Rofe 04/30/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 05/03/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 05/11/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 05/12/2004 Buy 2,500
Richard Rofe 06/24/2004 Sell (2,500)
Richard Rofe 07/07/2004 Buy 13,000
Richard Rofe 07/08/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 07/29/2004 Buy 4,900
Richard Rofe 08/02/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 08/09/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 08/09/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 08/13/2004 Buy 5,000
Richard Rofe 08/18/2004 Buy 4,500
Parche, LLC 8/12/2004 Buy 13,428
Parche, LLC 8/12/2004 Buy 501,021
Parche, LLC 8/12/2004 Buy 11,392
Parche, LLC 8/16/2004 Buy 11,360
Parche, LLC 8/17/2004 Buy 4,000
Parche, LLC 8/17/2004 Buy 7,152
Parche, LLC 8/18/2004 Buy 12,016
Parche, LLC 8/19/2004 Buy 33,256
Parche, LLC 8/20/2004 Buy 10,828
Parche, LLC 8/24/2004 Buy 1,439
Parche, LLC 8/31/2004 Buy 2,068
Parche, LLC 9/1/2004 Buy 8,816
Parche, LLC 9/2/2004 Buy 4,000
Parche, LLC 9/23/2004 Buy 2,400
Parche, LLC 9/24/2004 Buy 4,000
Parche, LLC 9/27/2004 Buy 5,600
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/2/2004 Buy 193,704
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/2/2004 Buy 140,514
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/6/2004 Buy 16,800
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/6/2004 Buy 15,490
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/7/2004 Buy 31,500
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/7/2004 Buy 84,634
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/8/2004 Buy 84,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/8/2004 Buy 70,021
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/9/2004 Buy 42,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/9/2004 Buy 5,796
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/12/2004 Buy 42,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/12/2004 Buy 6,539
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/13/2004 Buy 23,273
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/14/2004 Buy 40,337
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/14/2004 Buy 25,200
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/15/2004 Buy 21,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/16/2004 Buy 63,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/16/2004 Buy 1,035
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/19/2004 Buy 47,488
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/20/2004 Buy 54,524
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/21/2004 Buy 82,354
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/22/2004 Buy 195,216
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/23/2004 Buy 52,080
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/26/2004 Buy 23,411
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/27/2004 Buy 84,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/27/2004 Buy 126,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/28/2004 Buy 23,100
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/28/2004 Buy 10,878
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/28/2004 Buy 31,080
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/29/2004 Buy 6,720
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/30/2004 Buy 4,200
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 7/30/2004 Buy 73,920
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/1/2004 Sell (73,920)
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/1/2004 Buy 73,920
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/2/2004 Buy 25,200
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/3/2004 Buy 22,680
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/4/2004 Buy 39,639
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/5/2004 Buy 590,520
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/5/2004 Buy 15,120
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/6/2004 Buy 23,184
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/9/2004 Buy 6,880
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/10/2004 Buy 29,929
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/11/2004 Buy 155,400
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/12/2004 Buy 70,499
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/12/2004 Buy 59,808
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/16/2004 Buy 59,640
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/17/2004 Buy 21,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/17/2004 Buy 37,548
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/18/2004 Buy 63,084
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/19/2004 Buy 174,591
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/20/2004 Buy 56,847
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/24/2004 Buy 7,556
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 8/31/2004 Buy 10,857
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 9/1/2004 Buy 46,284
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 9/2/2004 Buy 21,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 9/23/2004 Buy 12,600
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 9/24/2004 Buy 21,000
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC 9/27/2004 Buy 29,400
ARRANGEMENTS, INTERESTS AND TRANSACTIONS
MWTG, Parche, LLC, and Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund, LLC have an
agreement pursuant to which MWTG provides advice and services with respect to
the parties' investments in ATG's common stock, among other matters. Under such
agreement, the parties agree to coordinate the acquisition and disposition of
ATG's common stock and to cooperate with respect to proxy votes and related
matters (however, each of the parties to the agreement retains the sole
discretion over acquisitions and dispositions of, and voting authority over, the
shares of common stock that it holds). For such services, MWTG receives an
amount equal to a percentage of the profits realized by such parties on their
investment in ATG. The parties have also agreed to share expenses incurred by
the group.
Other than as set forth above, no participant is, or was within the past year, a
party to any contract, arrangement or understanding with any person with respect
to any securities of ATG including, but not limited to, joint ventures, loan or
option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees against loss or guarantees of
profit, division of losses or profits, or the giving or withholding of proxies.
No participant and no associate of any participant has any arrangement or
understanding with any person with respect to any future employment by ATG or
its affiliates or with respect to any future transactions to which ATG or any of
its affiliates will or may be a party.
ANNEX B
COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, based solely upon the definitive proxy statement
filed by ATG on April 5, 2004, certain information as to the beneficial
ownership of ATG's common stock as of February 29, 2004.
The following table sets forth information as of February 29, 2004 with respect
to the beneficial ownership of ATG's common stock by:
o each person known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of
the outstanding shares of common stock,
o each of ATG's directors,
o each of ATG's named executive officers, and
o all directors and executive officers as a group.
SHARES SHARES TOTAL
BENEFICIALLY ACQUIRABLE BENEFICIAL PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) OWNED(1) WITHIN 60 DAYS OWNERSHIP OWNERSHIP(2)
------------------- -------- -------------- --------- ------------
Apex Capital, LLC and
Sanford J Colen(3) 5,000,000 -- 5,000,000 6.84%
Paul G. Shorthose 144,803 1,225,000 1,369,803 1.84%
Fumiaki Matsumoto 211,973 150,017 361,990 *
Robert D. Burke 25,000 281,250 306,250 *
Edward Terino 60,000 233,125 293,125 *
Thomas N. Matlack 100,000 65,000 165,000 *
R. Gregory Lazar 20,000 131,562 151,562 *
Patricia O'Neill 6,380 119,458 119,458 *
John R. Held 25,000 50,000 75,000 *
Phyllis S. Swersky 27,200 70,000 70,000 *
Ilene H. Lang 28,000 35,000 63,000 *
Mary E. Makela 5,000 50,000 55,000 *
Barry Clark -- -- -- *
Cliff Conneighton -- -- -- *
John Dragoon -- -- -- *
Tricia Gilligan -- -- -- *
Philip E. London -- -- -- *
All directors and executive
officers as a group (16
persons) 653,356 2,410,412 3,063,768 4.06%
* Less than 1%.
(1) Each person or entity listed has sole voting power and/or investment power with respect to the shares listed
unless otherwise noted.
(2) In calculating the percent of our common stock beneficially owned by each person or entity listed, the number
of shares deemed outstanding consists of 73,111,146 shares outstanding as of February 29, 2004, plus, for
that person or entity only, any shares subject to options that were exercisable within 60 days of
February 29, 2004.
(3) Beneficial ownership as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 17, 2004. The
address for Apex Capital, LLC and Sanford J. Colen is 25 Orinda Way, Suite 300, Orinda, California 94563.
BLUE PROXY CARD APPENDIX
ART TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OCTOBER 22, 2004 AT 10:00 A.M.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY
MITCHELL-WRIGHT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC, MITCHELL-WRIGHT, LLC,
SSH PARTNERS I, LP, ARCADIA PARTNERS, L.P., ARCADIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC,
JAMES DENNEDY AND RICHARD ROFE
The undersigned stockholder of Art Technology Group, Inc.(the "Company") hereby
appoints James Dennedy and Richard Rofe, and each of them, as attorneys and
proxies, each with power of substitution and revocation, to represent the
undersigned at the special meeting of Stockholders of Art Technology Group, Inc.
to be held on October 22, 2004, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof,
with authority to vote all shares held or owned by the undersigned in accordance
with the directions indicated herein.
Receipt of the proxy statement is hereby acknowledged.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL CAUSE YOUR SHARES TO BE VOTED AS YOU
DIRECT. IF YOU RETURN THIS PROXY, PROPERLY EXECUTED, WITHOUT SPECIFYING A
CHOICE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE AGAINST ITEM (1) ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND WILL BE
VOTED FOR ITEM TWO.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side) See reverse side
MITCHELL-WRIGHT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC, MITCHELL-WRIGHT, LLC,
SSH PARTNERS I, LP, ARCADIA PARTNERS, L.P., ARCADIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC,
JAMES DENNEDY AND RICHARD ROFE
RECOMMEND YOU VOTE "AGAINST" ITEM (1) BELOW
(1) To approve the issuance by the Company of shares of its own common stock
pursuant to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the
agreement and plan of merger dated as of August 10, 2004, by and among the
Company, Autobahn Acquisition, Inc. and Primus Knowledge Solutions, Inc.
| | AGAINST | | ABSTAIN | | FOR
MITCHELL-WRIGHT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC, MITCHELL-WRIGHT, LLC,
SSH PARTNERS I, LP, ARCADIA PARTNERS, L.P., ARCADIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC,
JAMES DENNEDY AND RICHARD ROFE
RECOMMEND YOU VOTE "FOR" ITEM (2) BELOW
(2) In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly before the special meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the special meeting.
| | AGAINST | | ABSTAIN | | FOR
Date: _________ ___, 2004
-----------------------------------------
Signature (Please sign exactly as your
name appears to the left)
-----------------------------------------
Additional Signature (if held jointly)
-----------------------------------------
Title
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. Attorneys, trustees,
executors and other fiduciaries acting in a representative capacity should
sign their names and give their titles. An authorized person should sign on
behalf of corporations, partnerships, associations, etc. and give his or
her title. If your shares are held by two or more persons each person must
sign. Receipt of the notice of meeting and proxy statement is hereby
acknowledged.