TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Jan. 26, 2015) – Aberdeen International Inc. (TSX:AAB) highlights leading independent proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis’ support for the current board. While Glass Lewis is the latest in a growing list of objective third parties to support Aberdeen’s board and reject the cashless takeover attempt by Ryan Morris and Nightscape Capital, Aberdeen urged all shareholders to vote the BLUE proxy to send a strong message to Ryan Morris and Nightscape Capital that a cashless takeover at their expense will not be tolerated.
While Ryan Morris and Nightscape Capital continue to fight tooth and nail at the expense of all other long-term Aberdeen shareholders to preserve their failing take-over attempt, the facts and opposition to their value destroying plan and inexperienced slate of dissident nominees continue to build up against them:
The news from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice hasn’t been good for the dissidents either. In its written reasons dismissing the dissidents’ application, the Court found that the dissidents’ form of proxy could lead to several points of confusion in the minds of shareholders. By contrast, management’s form of proxy avoids any risk of confusion. The Court also upheld the company’s recommendation for Bernie Wilson to chair the meeting and rejected the dissidents’ recommendation to appoint a different chair.
Even though numerous public reports have dogged Ryan about previous complaints to the SEC and a possible criminal investigation in Mexico, he has refused to clear the air. We know Ryan likes to put out press releases and do media interviews so maybe he can explain what these reports were based on, if he has ever been interviewed by the SEC and why Mexican law officials said he was involved in their criminal investigation? These are serious questions for someone who wants to be a Director of a TSX listed company.
Ryan and Nightscape have become so desperate in their failing attempt that we have been told by shareholders that members of their proxy solicitation team are contacting Aberdeen shareholders to solicit their proxies without identifying who they are calling on behalf of and/or creating the false impression that they are calling on behalf of Aberdeen.
While Ryan and Nightscape will flail, mislead, and swerve guardrail to guardrail to try to preserve their failing take-over attempt the facts are clear:
Shareholders’ message to Ryan is clear: Stop trying to fool around with our investment so you can benefit. Let Aberdeen’s strong, experienced board get on with their plan to create long-term value for all shareholders.
Aberdeen would like to thank all shareholders who have voted their BLUE proxy. If you have not yet voted, we encourage you to read our recent letter outlining the truth about Ryan’s plan to destroy long-term value. A copy of the letter can be found here: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/AberdeenShareholderLetter.pdf
Shareholders are urged to vote their BLUE proxy in favour of Aberdeen’s current board of directors prior to the proxy cut-off at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on January 30, 2015:
Proxy Voting Instructions
Regardless of how many shares you own it’s imperative that you vote your BLUE proxy:
1. AGAINST the first resolution to remove the current board
2. FOR Aberdeen’s seven highly qualified current board nominees
3. WITHHOLD votes from Ryan’s dissident slate of nominees
Make sure you vote well in advance of the proxy cut-off at 11:00 a.m. EST on January 30th, 2015 using the control number on the BLUE proxy or voting instruction form. Even if you have voted the Gold proxy, it is not too late. A later-dated BLUE proxy will replace any previously voted Gold proxy.
If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your BLUE proxy or voting instruction form, please contact Kingsdale Shareholder Services, at 1-866-851-9601 (toll-free in North America), or 416-867-2272 (collect calls accepted) outside North America or by email at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
About Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a publicly traded global investment and merchant banking company focused on small cap companies in the resource sector. Aberdeen will seek to acquire significant equity participation in pre-IPO and/or early stage public resource companies with undeveloped or undervalued high-quality resources. Aberdeen will focus on companies that: (i) are in need of managerial, technical and financial resources to realize their full potential; (ii) are undervalued in foreign capital markets; and/or (iii) operate in jurisdictions with low to moderate local political risk. Aberdeen will seek to provide value-added managerial and board advisory services to companies.
For additional information, please visit our website at www.aberdeeninternational.ca and follow us on Facebook and Twitter: AberdeenAAB.
Cautionary Note
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “plans”, “proposes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “expects”, “believes”, “may”, “will” and include without limitation, the implementation of the Company’s action plan, statements regarding the business activities of the Company and possible investment opportunities, the potential of certain investments, the ability of the Company to generate additional value for shareholders, past success as an indicator of future success. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, regulatory risks and other risks described in Aberdeen’s annual information form. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Contact Information:
Investor Inquiries:
Kingsdale Shareholder Services
North American Toll Free: 1-866-851-9601
International Collect Call: 416-867-2272
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com
For Media Inquiries:
Ian Robertson
Vice President, Communications
Kingsdale Shareholder Services
Direct: 416-867-2333 or Cell: 647-621-2646
irobertson@kingsdaleshareholder.com
Mike McAllister
Manager, Investor Relations
Aberdeen International Inc.
+1 416-309-2134
info@aberdeeninternational.ca
David Stein
President and Chief Executive Officer
Aberdeen International Inc.
+1 416-861-5812
dstein@aberdeeninternational.ca