In a dramatic turn of events echoing through Delaware’s hallowed Court of Chancery, a legal drama unfolds involving Covetrus Inc., a prominent player in the animal health sector. At the center of this legal whirlwind are allegations hurled by two pension fund shareholders, accusing Covetrus’ top brass and private equity giant Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC (CD&R) of engaging in a lopsided game of corporate chess during a monumental $21-per-share acquisition with TPG Capital.
The Plaintiffs’ Gambit: Bucks County and Oklahoma Law Enforcement Step Forward
Stepping into the legal arena, Bucks County Employees’ Retirement System and Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System have launched a proposed class action against Covetrus Inc.’s CEO Benjamin Wolin, along with board members Ravi Sachdev and Sandra Peterson, and various funds linked to Clayton Dubilier. Their complaint, initially shrouded in secrecy and revealed only recently, spins a tale of alleged underhanded advantages and missed financial opportunities.
A Story of Lost Profits and Corporate Intrigue
The plaintiffs’ narrative is one of betrayal and lost potential. They assert that CD&R, already a major shareholder, was unduly favored during the sale, costing Covetrus and its shareholders a more lucrative deal. The plaintiffs argue that spinning off certain business segments could have been more profitable, accusing the directors of squandering a chance to maximize shareholder value.
CD&R Took Advantage In $4B Merger : A Merger of Titans
This lawsuit is not an isolated event but follows a previous legal maneuver by the same pension funds. The backdrop is a May announcement by Covetrus, revealing a $4 billion acquisition offer from CD&R and TPG Capital, representing a significant premium over the average share price. With CD&R’s substantial investment in Covetrus and TPG’s reputation as a global private equity force, the stage was set for a corporate saga.
The Acquisition’s Aftermath and Allegations of Favoritism
As the ink dried on the acquisition in October, Covetrus’ fate was sealed, its stock retiring from Nasdaq. CEO Wolin retained his leadership, but the former shareholders cried foul, alleging he favored CD&R throughout the sale process. Their complaint paints a picture of a covert operation, with CD&R allegedly breaching an agreement and the board turning a blind eye, giving CD&R an unfair edge in the transaction.
CD&R Took Advantage In $4B Merger : Silence from the Accused
In a move that adds to the mystery, CD&R has opted for silence regarding the allegations. The other parties involved have yet to make their voices heard in this corporate drama.
CD&R Took Advantage In $4B Merger : Representation Revealed
Representing the plaintiffs are legal powerhouses Labaton Sucharow LLP, Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check LLP, Grant & Eisenhofer PA, and Friedman Oster & Tejtel PLLC, marking a formidable front against the accused, whose legal counsel remains a mystery for now.
