Applica Incorporated
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the registrant x
Filed by a party other than the registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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o
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Preliminary proxy statement |
o
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) |
o
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Definitive proxy statement |
x
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Definitive additional materials |
o
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
APPLICA INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
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o
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No fee required. |
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x
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Fee computed on the table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
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(1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of Applica Incorporated (Applica common
stock) |
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(2)
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
15,164,300 shares of Applica common stock |
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935,796 options to purchase shares of Applica common stock |
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(3)
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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):
$7.00 per share of Applica common stock |
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$7.00 minus weighted average
exercise price of outstanding options of $4.31 per share subject to option |
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(4)
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$108,667,291 |
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(5)
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Total fee paid:
$11,627.40 |
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o
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
x
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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)
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Amount previously paid:
$9,910.49 |
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(2)
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Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
Schedule 14A |
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(3)
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Filing party:
Applica Incorporated |
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(4)
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Date Filed:
November 2, 2006 |
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(1)
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Amount previously paid:
$865.87 |
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(2)
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Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
Schedule 14A |
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(3)
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Filing party:
Applica Incorporated |
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(4)
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Date Filed:
December 15, 2006 |
APPLICA INCORPORATED
3633 Flamingo Road
Miramar, Florida 33027
SUPPLEMENT TO PROXY STATEMENT
$7.00 PER SHARE UNDER
HARBINGER CAPITAL PARTNERS MERGER AGREEMENT
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Dear Fellow Shareholder:
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December 22, 2006 |
On or about December 6, 2006, we mailed to you a definitive proxy statement relating to a
special meeting of our shareholders to be held on December 28, 2006 for the purpose of considering
and voting on a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006,
among Applica and APN Holding Company, Inc. and APN Mergersub, Inc. (which are subsidiaries of
Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations
Fund, L.P., and which we refer to, along with such funds, as Harbinger), pursuant to which, among
other things, upon the merger becoming effective, each outstanding share of Applica common stock,
par value $0.10 per share (other than shares owned by Applica or Harbinger), would be converted
into the right to receive $6.00 in cash, without interest, and Applica would become an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of the Harbinger funds.
On December 14, 2006, the parties to the merger agreement amended the original merger
agreement to provide for an increase of $0.50 in cash per share over the $6.00 in cash per share
provided for in the original merger agreement, such that upon completion of the merger, each
outstanding share of our common stock (other than shares owned by
Applica or Harbinger) would be
converted into the right to receive $6.50 in cash, without interest. On December 22, 2006, the
parties to the merger agreement amended the original merger agreement for a second time to provide
for an additional increase of $0.50 in cash per share over the $6.50 in cash per share provided in
the amended merger agreement, such that upon completion of the merger, each outstanding share of
our common stock (other than shares owned by Applica or Harbinger) will be converted into the right
to receive $7.00 in cash, without interest. No other amendments were made to the original merger
agreement previously submitted to our shareholders. The original merger agreement as so amended is
referred to as the amended merger agreement. The second amendment to the merger agreement is
attached to the attached supplement as Annex A.
The attached supplement contains additional information about the amended merger agreement. We
urge you to read this document carefully and in its entirety. We also encourage you, if you have
not done so already, to review the definitive proxy statement. You should consider the matters
discussed under Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements on page 2 of the attached
supplement before voting. You may also obtain additional information from documents we have filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The time, date and place of the special meeting to consider and vote upon the adoption of the
amended merger agreement remain the same and are as follows:
11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 28, 2006
3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida 33027
The record date for the special meeting has not changed. Only holders of our common stock at
the close of business on November 27, 2006 are entitled to notice of the special meeting and to
vote at the special meeting, except that shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by
Harbinger are not eligible or entitled to vote at the special meeting. All shareholders of record
are cordially invited to attend the special meeting in person.
Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares of our common stock you own.
The merger cannot be completed unless holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common
stock entitled to vote at the special meeting vote for the adoption of the amended merger
agreement. If you do not vote, it will have the same effect as a vote against the merger.
Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in person, please complete, sign, date
and return promptly the proxy card enclosed with the definitive proxy statement. If you have
already submitted a proxy, you do not need to submit another proxy unless you wish to change your
vote. If you hold shares through a broker or other nominee, you should follow the procedures
provided by your broker or nominee. These actions will not limit your right to vote in person if
you wish to attend the special meeting and vote in person.
After careful consideration, our board of directors approved the amended merger agreement and
the merger and declared that the amended merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the amended merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable for, fair to and
in the best interest of Applica shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Harry D. Schulman Chairman of the Board, |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulatory agency has
approved or disapproved the merger, passed upon the merits or fairness of the merger or passed upon
the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in this document. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
This supplement is dated December 22, 2006 and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about
December 23, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
INTRODUCTION |
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1 |
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UPDATE TO SUMMARY |
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1 |
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Purpose of the Meeting |
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Required Vote |
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Recommendation of Our Board of Directors |
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Market Price of Our Common Stock |
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2 |
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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2 |
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THE MERGER |
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3 |
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Update to Background of the Merger |
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Recommendation of Our Board of Directors |
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4 |
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SUMMARY OF
THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT |
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4 |
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UPDATE TO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER |
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6 |
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UPDATE TO INTERESTS OF OUR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER |
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7 |
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UPDATE TO
NACCO LITIGATION |
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9 |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION |
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10 |
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ANNEX: |
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Annex A Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger |
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INTRODUCTION
The
information provided in the definitive proxy statement dated
December 4, 2006, as amended by the first supplement, which we
refer to in this supplement as the definitive proxy statement, previously mailed to our
shareholders on or about December 6, 2006, continues to apply, except as described in this
supplement. To the extent information in this supplement differs from, updates or conflicts with
information contained in the definitive proxy statement,
the information in this supplement is the more current information. If you would like additional
copies of the definitive proxy statement, the first supplement, this supplement, the Schedule 14D-9
recommendation statement or a new proxy card or if you have questions about the merger or any of
the foregoing, you should contact our proxy solicitor, Georgeson Inc. at 17 State Street, New York,
New York 10004 or call them toll-free at (866) 857-2634. Banks and brokerage firms, please call
(212) 440-9800. You may also contact our Investor Relations Department at (954) 883-1000. The
definitive proxy statement may also be found on the Internet at www.sec.gov. See Where You Can
Find More Information on page 7 of this supplement. In this supplement, the terms we, our,
ours, and us refer to Applica Incorporated and its subsidiaries.
UPDATE TO SUMMARY
This update to the summary, together with the following updated question and answer section,
highlights important information discussed in more detail elsewhere in this supplement and in the
definitive proxy statement. This updated summary does not contain all of the information you should
consider before voting on the amended merger agreement and the merger. To understand the merger
more fully, you are urged to read carefully this entire supplement and the second amendment to the
merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this supplement, the definitive proxy
statement and all of its annexes before voting on whether to approve the amended merger agreement
and the merger. The amended merger agreement is the legal document that governs the merger.
Purpose of the Meeting
You will be asked to consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006, among Applica and Buyer and Merger Co (which are subsidiaries
of the Harbinger Funds), as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of December 14, 2006, and Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
December 22, 2006, among Applica and Buyer and Merger Co, pursuant to which, upon the merger
becoming effective, each outstanding share of Applica common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
(other than shares owned by Applica or Harbinger) will be converted into the right to receive $7.00
in cash, without interest.
Required Vote
Under Florida law, the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
our common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is necessary to adopt the amended merger
agreement. Thus, the affirmative vote of holders of common stock representing at least 7,585,151
votes will be required to approve the merger. A failure to vote your shares of our common stock or
an abstention will have the same effect as voting against the merger.
Shares of our common stock that are beneficially owned by Harbinger are not eligible or
entitled to vote on the merger at the special meeting.
Recommendation of Our Board of Directors
After careful consideration, our board of directors approved the amended merger agreement and
the merger and declared that the amended merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the amended merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable for, fair to and
in the best interest of Applica shareholders. ACCORDINGLY, OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED.
1
Market Price of Our Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol APN. The closing price of
our common stock on the NYSE as of December 21, 2006, the last trading day prior to the public
announcement of our execution of the amended merger agreement was $6.65.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This supplement, and the documents to which we refer you in this supplement, contain
forward-looking statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions.
Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of
operations of our company, the expected completion and timing of the merger and other information
relating to the merger. Generally these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, may, should,
plan, intend, project and similar expressions. For each of these statements, we claim the
protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should read statements that contain these words carefully. They
discuss our future expectations or state other forward-looking information, and may involve known
and unknown risks over which we have no control. Those risks include, without limitation:
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the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the merger on the proposed terms and schedule; |
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failure to obtain the approval of the merger proposal at the special meeting of shareholders; |
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the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise
to the termination of the amended merger agreement, including a termination under
circumstances that could require us to pay a termination fee to Buyer in the amount
of $4.0 million plus up to $2.0 million of reasonable documented, third party, out
of pocket expenses; |
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the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; |
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the failure of the merger to close for any reason; |
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disruption from the announcement of the merger, and the merger, making it more
difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; |
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the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all,
which may adversely affect our business and the price of our common stock; |
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the potential adverse effect on our business, properties and operations because
of certain covenants we agreed to in the amended merger agreement; |
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the uncertainty as to the outcome of the pending litigation filed by NACCO
Industries, Inc. and HB-PS Holding Company, Inc. related to the termination of
their merger agreement with us and the impact of such litigation on the merger; and |
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other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the SEC), including Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. See Where You Can Find More
Information on page 7. |
2
THE MERGER
Update to Background of the Merger
The discussion below supplements the description in the definitive proxy statement of the
background of the merger.
Late in the evening of December 13, 2006, we received a letter from NACCO Industries, Inc.
offering to acquire our common stock for $6.50 per share in cash (and on December 15, 2006, NACCO
publicly announced that, through a subsidiary, it had commenced a tender offer to purchase all of
our outstanding common stock at an offer price of $6.50 per share). In accordance with the terms
of the merger agreement, we promptly notified Harbinger on December 14, 2006 of our receipt of the
offer from NACCO.
Subsequently, Harbinger submitted to us a definitive binding offer to enter into an amendment
to its merger agreement that provides for our shareholders to receive $6.50 in cash per share if
the Harbinger merger is completed. Our board held a meeting that same day and discussed the offers
from NACCO and Harbinger and its obligations under the Harbinger merger agreement. The meeting was
attended by our senior management and legal and financial advisors, as well as a representative of
the boards independent legal counsel. At the meeting, the board reviewed and discussed the offers
from NACCO and Harbinger with management and the legal and financial advisors. The board also
discussed with the legal advisors the provisions of the Harbinger merger agreement relating to
competing transactions.
After consultation with the legal and financial advisors, our board determined
that the merger agreement, as amended, is at least as favorable to our shareholders as the offer
made by NACCO, is advisable for, fair to and in the best interests of our shareholders (other than
Harbinger and its affiliates) and voted to approve and adopt, and authorized senior management to
enter into, the amendment proposed by Harbinger. On December 14, 2006, we executed Amendment No.
1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Harbinger and thereafter issued a press release
announcing the amendment. On December 15, 2006, we filed with the SEC a supplement to the
definitive proxy statement that describes, among other things, the amendment to the merger
agreement.
On December 15, 2006, Greenberg Traurig sent a letter to NACCO on our behalf informing NACCO
of Harbingers increase to $6.50 of its per share purchase price and our boards determination that
the merger agreement, as amended, is at least as favorable to Applicas shareholders as the NACCO
offer.
Also on December 15, 2006, NACCO filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the SEC
and delivered a request pursuant to Rule 14d-5, purportedly commencing a tender offer to purchase all
of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock for a per share price of $6.50, net in cash to
seller, without interest.
On December 18, 2006, our board held a meeting during which it reviewed and discussed the
terms and conditions of the NACCO offer set forth in the Schedule TO with management and the legal
and financial advisors. After careful consideration, our board determined at such meeting to
recommend that Applicas shareholders reject the NACCO offer and not tender their shares in
the NACCO offer.
On December 19, we filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the
SEC in connection with the NACCO offer recommending that our shareholders reject the NACCO offer
and not tender their shares in the offer.
On December 21, 2006, NACCO publicly announced that it had increased the per share offer price
of its offer to $7.00 and amended the Schedule TO accordingly. In accordance with the terms of the
Harbinger merger agreement, we promptly notified Harbinger on December 21, 2006 of NACCOs amended
offer price.
Subsequently, on December 21, 2006, Harbinger submitted to us a definitive binding offer to
enter into an amendment to its merger agreement that provides for Applicas shareholders to receive
$7.00 in cash per share, without interest, if the Harbinger merger is completed.
3
On December 22, 2006, our board held a meeting and discussed the offers from NACCO and
Harbinger and its obligations under the merger agreement. The meeting was attended by our senior
management and legal and financial advisors, as well as a representative of our boards independent
legal counsel. Our board reviewed and discussed the offers from NACCO and Harbinger with
management and the legal and financial advisors and determined on December 22, 2006
that the Harbinger merger agreement, as proposed to be amended, is at
least as favorable to our shareholders as the tender offer
made by NACCO. After lengthy discussions and a thorough review with management and the legal and
financial advisors, our board also determined (i) that the merger agreement, as
amended, is advisable for, fair to and in the best interests of our shareholders (other than
Harbinger and its affiliates) and voted to approve and adopt, and authorized senior management to
enter into, the amendment proposed by Harbinger and (ii) to recommend that that our shareholders
(A) vote FOR the adoption of the Harbinger merger agreement, as amended and (B) reject the NACCO
offer and NOT tender their shares in the NACCO offer.
On December 22, 2006, we executed Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger with
Harbinger and thereafter issued a press release announcing the amendment.
Also
on December 22, 2006, as required under Rule 14d-5(b) in
accordance with our prior election, we commenced mailing the Schedule TO to our shareholders on behalf of NACCO.
Recommendation of Our Board of Directors
After careful consideration, the board of directors approved the amended merger
agreement and the merger. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT OUR SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED.
The board of directors also recommends that, even if a shareholder does not vote with
respect to the amended merger agreement at this time, that such shareholder vote FOR the proposal
to adjourn or postpone the special meeting of shareholders, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit
additional proxies if there are insufficient shares present or represented at the meeting to
constitute a quorum or insufficient votes at the time of the meeting to adopt the amended merger
agreement. The ability to adjourn or postpone the special meeting will give the board of directors
the flexibility to preserve the existing transaction with Harbinger should the vote not be obtained
by December 28, 2006.
4
SUMMARY
OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following discussion summarizes the material provisions of the second amendment to the
merger agreement and is qualified by reference to the second amendment, a copy of which is attached
as Annex A to this supplement and is incorporated by reference into this supplement. The rights and
obligations of the parties are governed by the express terms and conditions of the merger agreement
(which is included as Annex A to the definitive proxy statement), as well as the first and second
amendments thereto, and not by this summary or any other information contained in this supplement.
We urge you to read the merger agreement and the first and second
amendments carefully and in their entirety,
as well as the definitive proxy statement, the first supplement and this supplement and the Schedule 14d-9 recommendation
statement, as amended, before making any decisions regarding the merger.
On December 22, 2006, Applica and Buyer and Merger Co (which are subsidiaries of the Harbinger
Funds) entered into a second amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19,
2006, as amended on December 14, 2006. A complete copy of the second amendment is included as Annex A to this supplement and is
incorporated by reference into this discussion. The following discussion summarizes the material
changes to the merger agreement made by the second amendment.
Increase in Merger Consideration
The
second amendment to the amended merger agreement provides for an additional $0.50 per share
increase in the cash consideration to be received by our shareholders in the merger, from $6.50 to
$7.00 in cash, without interest, for each share of our common stock outstanding (other than shares
owned by Applica or Harbinger).
5
UPDATE TO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER
The following questions and answers are intended to address some commonly asked questions
regarding the second amendment to the merger agreement, the merger and the special meeting. These
questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as our
shareholder. Please refer to the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this supplement
and in the definitive proxy statement.
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Q:
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Why are you sending me this supplement to the definitive proxy statement? |
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A:
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We are sending you this supplement to the definitive proxy statement because on December 22, 2006, we entered into a second
amendment to the amended merger agreement. This supplement provides
information with respect to the second amendment to the amended merger
agreement and certain other matters and updates the definitive proxy statement which was previously mailed to you. |
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Q:
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What will I now receive in the merger? |
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A:
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Pursuant to the second amendment to
the amended merger agreement, upon completion of the merger, you will receive $7.00 in cash,
without interest, for each share of our common stock that you own. |
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Q:
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Does the board of directors support the amended merger agreement? |
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A:
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Yes. Our board recommends that our shareholders vote FOR the adoption of the merger agreement, as amended. |
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Q:
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When and where is the special meeting? |
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A:
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The special meeting of shareholders will be held at our executive offices located at 3633 Flamingo Road, Miramar, Florida
33027, on December 28, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. |
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Q:
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Who can vote at the special meeting? |
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A:
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The record date for the special meeting has not changed. All shareholders of record at the close of business on November
27, 2006, the record date for the special meeting, will be entitled to vote at the special meeting, except that shares of
our common stock that are beneficially owned by Harbinger are not eligible or entitled to vote at the special meeting. |
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Q:
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What if I already voted using the proxy you sent me earlier? |
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A:
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First, carefully read and consider the information contained in this supplement. If you have already delivered a properly
executed proxy, you will be considered to have voted on the second amended merger agreement, and you do not need to do
anything unless you wish to change your vote. |
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Q
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Can I change my vote after I have mailed in my proxy card? |
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A:
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Yes. You can change your vote at any time before we vote your proxy at the special meeting. You can do so by: |
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delivering a written notice to the corporate secretary of Applica before the
special meeting that states that you revoke your proxy; |
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delivering a signed and later dated new proxy card before the special meeting in
accordance with the instructions included with the proxy card; or |
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attending the special meeting and voting in person. |
6
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Simply attending the special meeting will not revoke your proxy. If your shares are held in
street name by your broker, bank, dealer or other nominee, you must follow instructions
received from such broker, bank or nominee with this supplement or the definitive proxy
statement in order to revoke your vote or to vote at the special meeting. |
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Q:
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What do I do if I have not voted yet? |
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A:
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After carefully reading and considering the information contained
in this supplement and the definitive proxy statement, please
complete, sign and date your proxy and return it in the
postage-paid return envelope enclosed with the definitive proxy
statement as soon as possible, so that your shares may be
represented at the special meeting. If you sign and send in your
proxy and do not indicate how you want to vote, we will vote your
proxy in favor of approval of the second amended merger agreement.
Because the required vote of our shareholders is based upon the
number of outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote
at the special meeting, rather than upon the shares actually
voted, the failure by the holder of any such shares to submit a
proxy or to vote in person at the special meeting, including
abstentions and broker non-votes, will have the same effect as a
vote against approval of the second amended merger agreement. |
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Q:
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What is the status of NACCOs offer? |
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A:
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Please read the section entitled Background of the Merger
on pages 19-28 of the definitive proxy and page 6 of the first
supplement thereto statement for a summary of our prior dealings
with the NACCO Industries, Inc. On December 21, 2006, NACCO
publicly announced that it had increased the per share offer price
of its offer to $7.00. On December 22, 2006, our board determined that the amended merger agreement, as amended by
the second amendment to increase the per share purchase price to
$7.00, without interest, is at least as favorable to our shareholders as the new
offer made by NACCO, is advisable for, fair to and in the best
interests of our shareholders (other than Harbinger and its
affiliates) and voted to approve and adopt, and authorized senior
management to enter into, the second amendment proposed by
Harbinger. In addition, our board determined at such meeting to
recommend that our shareholders reject the NACCO offer and not
tender their shares in the NACCO offer. |
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Q:
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Who can answer further questions? |
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A:
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If you would like additional copies of this supplement or the
definitive proxy statement, the recommendation statement or a new
proxy card or if you have questions about the merger, you should
contact our proxy solicitor, Georgeson Inc. at 17 State Street,
New York, New York 10004 or call them toll-free at (866) 857-2634.
Banks and brokerage firms, please call (212) 440-9800. You may
also contact our Investor Relations Department at (954) 883-1000. |
UPDATE TO INTERESTS OF OUR DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the board to vote in favor of the adoption of the merger
agreement, our shareholders should be aware that members of the board of directors and certain of
our executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or are in addition to,
the interests of Applica shareholders generally and that may create potential conflicts of
interest. During its deliberations in determining to recommend to its shareholders that they vote
in favor of the merger proposal, the board was aware of these
interests. This section updates
certain information contained in the definitive proxy statement regarding the interests of our
directors and executive officers in the merger to reflect the revised per share purchase price set
forth in the amended merger agreement. Otherwise the information in the definitive proxy statement
under the heading Interests of our Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger remains
unchanged. Please refer to the more detailed information regarding such interests contained in the
definitive proxy statement.
7
Treatment of Stock Options
As of the record date, there were 770,000 shares of our common stock subject to outstanding
stock options granted under our equity incentive plans to our current executive officers and
directors with a per share exercise price of less than $7.00. As of the effective time of the
merger, all options to acquire Applica common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective
time of the merger, whether or not then exercisable or vested, shall become:
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fully exercisable and vested; and |
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shall be cancelled, retired and extinguished and shall no longer be outstanding
following the effective time of the merger. |
In the merger, each director and executive officer holding stock options that have an exercise
price of less than $7.00 per share will receive an amount in cash, without interest, less any
required withholding taxes, equal to the excess of $7.00 over the applicable per share exercise
price for each stock option held, multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of our common stock
into which the applicable stock option was exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger. Options with a per share exercise price equal to or in excess of $7.00 will be
terminated and cancelled without any consideration therefor if not exercised prior to the effective
time of the merger.
The following table summarizes the outstanding vested and unvested options held by our
executive officers and directors as of the record date, and the consideration that each of them
will receive pursuant to the amended merger agreement in connection with the cancellation of their
options:
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Weighted Average |
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No. of Shares |
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Exercise Price of |
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Underlying In-The- |
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In-The-Money Vested |
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Money Vested and |
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and Unvested |
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Resulting |
Name |
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Unvested Options |
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Options |
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Consideration |
Susan J. Ganz |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Leonard Glazer |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Ware H. Grove |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Brian Guptill |
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40,000 |
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$ |
4.575 |
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$ |
97,000 |
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J. Maurice Hopkins |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Thomas J. Kane |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Christopher B. Madison |
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Terry L. Polistina |
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150,000 |
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$ |
4.553 |
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$ |
367,050 |
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Jerald I. Rosen |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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Harry D. Schulman |
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550,000 |
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$ |
4.227 |
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$ |
1,525,150 |
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Paul K. Sugrue |
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3,000 |
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$ |
3.48 |
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$ |
10,560 |
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8
UPDATE
TO NACCO LITIGATION
This
section updates the information contained in the definitive proxy statement
regarding litigation initiated by NACCO. This section is meant to replace in its entirety the
information set forth under the heading NACCO Litigation on page 60 of the definitive proxy
statement.
On November 13, 2006, NACCO and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex filed a complaint in the Delaware
Chancery Court, naming us and Harbert Management Corporation, HMC Investors, L.L.C., Harbinger
Capital Partners Offshore Manager, L.L.C., Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., HMC- New
York, Inc., Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations GP, LLC, Harbinger Capital Partners
Special Situations Fund, L.P., APN Holding Company, Inc., APN Mergersub, Inc., Philip Falcone,
Raymond J. Harbert and Michael D. Luce (collectively referred to in this Statement as the Harbinger
defendants) as defendants. The case is assigned to Vice Chancellor Stephen P. Lamb.
The complaint alleges that we breached the NACCO merger agreement. On September 14, 2006, the
Harbinger defendants offered to purchase all of our outstanding common stock (that they did not
already own) for $6.00 a share. The complaint alleges that we failed to keep NACCO informed of the
possibility of this offer before it was made, and of developments after the Harbinger defendants
offer had been publicly announced. The complaint further alleges that the Harbinger defendants made
certain false and misleading filings with the SEC in connection with their prior acquisitions of
our stock that allegedly facilitated the Harbinger defendants acquisition of our common stock at a
substantial discount and created an uneven playing field in any subsequent contest for control of
us.
NACCO and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex request in the complaint, among other things, that the
Delaware Chancery Court: (i) declare that we breached the NACCO merger agreement; (ii) specifically
enforce the NACCO merger agreement in accordance with its terms; (iii) restrain us from
consummating the Harbinger merger agreement (in its then-existing form, prior to the amendments
thereto); (iv) order the Harbinger defendants to divest themselves of their shares of our stock;
and (v) in the alternative, award damages that would include, but not be limited to, the lost
benefit of the bargain inherent in the NACCO merger agreement.
The court held a scheduling conference on November 20, 2006, and directed that a preliminary
injunction hearing be held on December 13, 2006. The parties undertook expedited discovery. On
December 1, 2006, NACCO and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex withdrew their request for a preliminary
injunction to enjoin the Harbinger transaction, but did not withdraw the complaint.
In response to the complaint, on December 1, 2006, the Harbinger defendants filed a Motion to
Dismiss and For Summary Judgment. The Harbinger defendants raise a number of grounds on which they
believe that the complaint should be dismissed,
including that: (i) the complaint fails to state a claim on which relief can be granted; (ii)
the complaint fails to plead fraud with particularity; (iii) the expedited discovery exchanged by
the parties disproves the claims in the complaint; (iv) the court lacks personal jurisdiction over
certain defendants; (v) there was insufficient process and service of process over certain
defendants; (vi) the complaint fails to join indispensable parties; and (vii) the claims are barred
by certain affirmative defenses and equitable doctrines, including but not limited to acquiescence,
waiver, equitable estoppel, laches and unclean hands. On December 4, 2006, all of the Harbinger
defendants filed an answer to the complaint, in which they denied the material allegations of the
complaint and asserted a number of defenses. Also on December 4, 2006, we filed a Motion to Dismiss
and For Summary Judgment, in which we raise a number of arguments, including that: (i) the
complaint fails to state a claim on which relief can be granted; (ii) we are entitled to judgment
as a matter of law; (iii) NACCO and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex are not entitled to specific
performance or damages; and (iv) the claims are barred by certain affirmative defenses and
equitable doctrines, including accord and satisfaction, payment, acquiescence, waiver, equitable
estoppel, laches and unclean hands.
On
December 18, 2006, NACCO filed a second complaint in the United States District Court,
Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division against us, Harbinger Capital Partners and certain of
its affiliates alleging violations of various securities laws and regulations. The complaint seeks
declaratory and injunctive relief, including, but not limited to, enjoining Harbinger Capital
Partners from proceeding with its proposed acquisition of us, ordering us to correct alleged
material misstatements and omissions in the definitive proxy statement dated December 4, 2006, and
enjoining us from proceeding with the proposed merger with affiliates of Harbinger.
On December 20, 2006, the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern
Division denied all of the motions filed on December 19, 2006 by NACCO against us, Harbinger
Capital Partners and certain of its affiliates. We issued a press release describing this result on
December 21, 2006, which is incorporated by reference to exhibit
99 of our Current Report on Form
8-K filed on December 21, 2006.
9
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy any reports, proxy statements or other information that we file with the
SEC at its Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC
at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. You may also obtain copies
of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Our public filings are also available to the public
from document retrieval services and the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Reports, proxy statements or other information concerning us may also be inspected at the
offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.
Any person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this supplement is delivered may request
copies of proxy statements and any documents filed with the SEC or other information concerning us,
without charge, by written or telephonic request directed to us at:
Applica Incorporated
3633 Flamingo Road
Miramar, Florida 33027
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (954) 883-1000
investor.relations@applicamail.com
You should rely only on the information contained in this supplement, the definitive proxy
statement and the annexes to this supplement and the definitive proxy statement, as well as the
documents which we refer to in the definitive proxy statement to vote on the merger agreement, as
amended. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what
is contained in this supplement or the definitive proxy statement.
This supplement does not constitute a solicitation of a proxy in any jurisdiction where, or to
or from any person to whom, it is unlawful to make a proxy solicitation.
* * * * *
Your vote is important. To vote your shares, please complete, date, sign and return the proxy
card enclosed with the definitive proxy statement as soon as possible. Please contact our proxy
solicitor, Georgeson Inc. at 17 State Street, New York, New York 10004 or call them toll-free at
(866) 857-2634 if you have any questions about this supplement, the definitive proxy statement or
the merger or need assistance with the voting procedures.
10
Annex A
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMENDMENT NO. 2, dated as of December 22, 2006 (this Second Amendment), to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 19, 2006, by and among APN Holding Company, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (Parent), APN Mergersub, Inc., a Florida corporation and a wholly
owned direct subsidiary of Parent (MergerSub), and Applica Incorporated, a Florida
corporation (the Company), as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 14, 2006
(the Merger Agreement). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the
meanings ascribed thereto in the Merger Agreement.
WHEREAS, pursuant to, and subject to the limitations set forth in, Section 9.2 of the Merger
Agreement, the Merger Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented only by the written
agreement of the parties thereto; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend the Merger Agreement as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the
receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Amendment. Section 3.1(a) of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended by deleting
the word $6.50 in both instances and replacing each with the word $7.00.
2. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Second Amendment shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to Contracts made and wholly
performed in such state, without regard to any applicable conflict of laws principles; provided,
however, that the Merger will also be governed by the applicable provisions of the FCBA to the
extent required thereby.
(b) Counterparts. This Second Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts,
all of which will be considered one and the same instrument and will become effective when
counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being
understood that each party need not sign the same counterpart.
(c) Continued Force and Effect. Except as expressly amended or modified herein, the
provisions of the Merger Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect.
(d) Authorization and Validity of Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Second Amendment by each of the parties hereto have been duly authorized and approved by their
respective boards of directors and no other corporate action on the part of the parties hereto is
necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Second Amendment. This Second Amendment
has been, or will be when executed and delivered, duly executed and delivered by each of the
parties hereto, and a valid and binding obligation of each of the parties hereto enforceable
against each of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its
enforceability may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable
principles.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed, or has caused to be executed, this
Second Amendment on the date first written above.
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APN HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Philip Falcone
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Name: |
Philip Falcone |
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Title: |
Vice President and Senior Managing Director |
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APN MERGERSUB, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Philip Falcone
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Name: |
Philip Falcone |
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Title: |
Vice President and Senior Managing Director |
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APPLICA INCORPORATED
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By: |
/s/ Harry D. Schulman
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Name: |
Harry D. Schulman |
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Title: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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