Filing Details
- Accession Number:
- 0000921895-22-002792
- Form Type:
- 13D Filing
- Publication Date:
- 2022-10-06 20:00:00
- Filed By:
- 22nw Fund, Lp
- Company:
- Farmer Brothers Co
- Filing Date:
- 2022-10-07
- SEC Url:
- 13D Filing
Please notice the below summary table is generated without human intervention and may contain errors. Please refer to the complete filing displayed below for exact figures.
Name | Sole Voting Power | Shared Voting Power | Sole Dispositive Power | Shared Dispositive Power | Aggregate Amount Owned Power | Percent of Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 10.4% | |||
1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 10.4% | |||
1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 10.4% | |||
1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 1,955,526 | 10.4% | |||
Aron R. English | 1,964,536 | 1,964,536 | 1,964,536 | 10.4% | ||
Ryan W. Broderick | 150 | 150 | 150 | Less than 1% | ||
Bryson O. Hirai-Hadley | 1,261 | 1,261 | 1,261 | Less than 1% | ||
Cory J. Mitchell | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1,300 | Less than 1% |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13d-101)
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-2(a)
(Amendment No. )1
Farmer Bros. Co.
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)
307675108
(CUSIP Number)
Aron R. English
22NW, LP
1455 NW Leary Way, Suite 400
Seattle, Washington 98107
(206) 227-3078
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
September 30, 2022
(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ☒.
Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
1 The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
22NW Fund, LP | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
WC | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
DELAWARE | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,955,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
PN |
2 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
22NW, LP | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
OO | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
DELAWARE | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,955,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
PN |
3 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
22NW Fund GP, LLC | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
OO | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
DELAWARE | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,955,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
OO |
4 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
22NW GP, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
OO | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
DELAWARE | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,955,526 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,955,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
CO |
5 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Aron R. English | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
OO, PF | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,964,536 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,964,536 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,964,536 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
10.4% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
6 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Ryan W. Broderick | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
PF | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 150 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
150 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
150 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
7 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Bryson O. Hirai-Hadley | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
PF | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,261 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,261 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,261 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
8 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
Cory J. Mitchell | |||||||||||||||||||
2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP | (a) ☒ | |||||||||||||||||
(b) ☐ | |||||||||||||||||||
3 | SEC USE ONLY | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS | ||||||||||||||||||
PF | |||||||||||||||||||
5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e) | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION | ||||||||||||||||||
USA | |||||||||||||||||||
NUMBER OF | 7 | SOLE VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
SHARES | |||||||||||||||||||
BENEFICIALLY | 1,300 | ||||||||||||||||||
OWNED BY | 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER | |||||||||||||||||
EACH | |||||||||||||||||||
REPORTING | - 0 - | ||||||||||||||||||
PERSON WITH | 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER | |||||||||||||||||
1,300 | |||||||||||||||||||
10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER | ||||||||||||||||||
- 0 - | |||||||||||||||||||
11 | AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
1,300 | |||||||||||||||||||
12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1% | |||||||||||||||||||
14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON | ||||||||||||||||||
IN |
9 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).
Item 1. | Security and Issuer. |
This statement relates to the common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Shares”), of Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”). The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 1912 Farmer Brothers Drive, Northlake, Texas 76262.
Item 2. | Identity and Background. |
(a) This statement is filed by:
(i) | 22NW Fund, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“22NW Fund”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it; |
(ii) | 22NW, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“22NW”), as the investment manager of 22NW Fund; |
(iii) | 22NW Fund GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“22NW GP”), as the general partner of 22NW Fund; |
(iv) | 22NW GP, Inc., a Delaware S Corporation (“22NW Inc.”), as the general partner of 22NW; |
(v) | Aron R. English (together with 22NW Fund, 22NW, 22NW GP and 22NW Inc., the “22NW Group”), as the Portfolio Manager of 22NW, Manager of 22NW GP and President and sole shareholder of 22NW Inc.; |
(vi) | Ryan W. Broderick; |
(vii) | Bryson O. Hirai-Hadley; and |
(viii) | Cory J. Mitchell. |
Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.” The Reporting Persons are parties to that certain Group Agreement (as further described in Item 6) with JCP Investment Partnership, LP, JCP Investment Partners, LP, JCP Investment Holdings, LLC, JCP Investment Management, LLC, and James C. Pappas (collectively, “JCP”), Todd E. Diener, David A. Pace, Bradley L. Radoff and The Radoff Family Foundation (together with JCP and Messrs. Diener, Pace and Radoff, the “JCP Parties”). As a result, the Reporting Persons may be deemed to be members of a “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), comprised of the Reporting Persons and the JCP Parties. It is the understanding of the Reporting Persons that the JCP Parties will file a separate Schedule 13D with respect to their ownership of Shares pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(2) of the Exchange Act. Reference is made to such Schedule 13D for information concerning the JCP Parties and their investment in the Issuer.
(b) The address of the principal office of each of the Reporting Persons is 1455 NW Leary Way, Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98107.
10 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
(c) The principal business of 22NW Fund is investing in securities. The principal business of 22NW is serving as the investment manager of 22NW Fund. The principal business of 22NW GP is serving as the general partner of 22NW Fund. The principal business of 22NW Inc. is serving as the general partner of 22NW. Mr. English is the Portfolio Manager of 22NW, Manager of 22NW GP and President and sole shareholder of 22NW Inc. Messrs. Broderick, Hirai-Hadley and Mitchell are Research Analysts at 22NW.
(d) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
(e) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
(f) 22NW Fund, 22NW, 22NW GP and 22NW Inc. are organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Messrs. English, Broderick, Hirai-Hadley and Mitchell are citizens of the United States of America.
Item 3. | Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration. |
The Shares purchased by 22NW Fund were purchased with working capital (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business). The aggregate purchase price of the 1,955,526 Shares beneficially owned by 22NW Fund is approximately $16,772,078, excluding brokerage commissions.
The Shares directly owned by Mr. English were purchased with personal funds (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business). The aggregate purchase price of the 9,010 Shares directly owned by Mr. English is approximately $96,525, excluding brokerage commissions.
The Shares directly owned by Mr. Broderick were purchased with personal funds (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business). The aggregate purchase price of the 150 Shares directly owned by Mr. Broderick is approximately $1,322, excluding brokerage commissions.
The Shares directly owned by Mr. Hirai-Hadley were purchased with personal funds (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business). The aggregate purchase price of the 1,261 Shares directly owned by Mr. Hirai-Hadley is approximately $13,341, excluding brokerage commissions.
The Shares directly owned by Mr. Mitchell were purchased with personal funds (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business). The aggregate purchase price of the 1,300 Shares directly owned by Mr. Mitchell is approximately $9,854, excluding brokerage commissions.
Item 4. | Purpose of Transaction. |
The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity. Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase or decrease their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase or sale of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.
11 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
The Reporting Persons have engaged, and intend to continue to engage, in communications with the Issuer’s management team and Board of Directors (the “Board”) regarding means to enhance stockholder value.
On October 3, 2022, the Reporting Persons and the JCP Parties entered into a Group Agreement (the “Group Agreement”). Pursuant to the Group Agreement, the parties agreed, among others things, (i) to form a group with respect to the securities of the Issuer, (ii) to solicit proxies for the election of certain persons nominated for election to the Board at the Issuer’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) (including those nominated by JCP) and (iii) that expenses incurred in connection with the group’s activities would be split evenly between JCP and the 22NW Group with each such party paying 50% of the expenses. A copy of the Group Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur upon or in connection with completion of, or following, any of the actions discussed herein. The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis. Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, engaging in additional communications with management and the Board of the Issuer, engaging in discussions with stockholders of the Issuer and others about the Issuer and the Reporting Persons’ investment, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capital allocation strategy, capitalization, ownership structure, Board structure (including Board composition) or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares, or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.
Item 5. | Interest in Securities of the Issuer. |
(a) The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 18,852,412 Shares outstanding as of August 22, 2022, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 2022.
As of the date hereof, 22NW Fund directly beneficially owned 1,955,526 Shares, constituting approximately 10.4% of the Shares outstanding.
As of the date hereof, Mr. English directly beneficially owned 9,010 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.
As of the date hereof, Mr. Broderick directly beneficially owned 150 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.
As of the date hereof, Mr. Hirai-Hadley directly beneficially owned 1,261 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.
12 |
CUSIP No. 307675108
As of the date hereof, Mr. Mitchell directly beneficially owned 1,300 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.
22NW, as the investment manager of 22NW Fund, may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,955,526 Shares owned by 22NW Fund, constituting approximately 10.4% of the Shares outstanding. 22NW GP, as the general partner of 22NW Fund, may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,955,526 Shares owned by 22NW Fund, constituting approximately 10,4% of the Shares outstanding. 22NW Inc., as the general partner of 22NW, may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,955,526 Shares owned by 22NW Fund, constituting approximately 10.4% of the Shares outstanding. Mr. English, as the Portfolio Manager of 22NW, Manager of 22NW GP and President and sole shareholder of 22NW Inc., may be deemed to beneficially own the 1,955,526 Shares owned by 22NW Fund, which, together with the Shares he directly beneficially owns, constitutes an aggregate of 1,964,536 Shares, constituting approximately 10.4% of the Shares outstanding.
The JCP Parties have represented to the Reporting Persons that they beneficially own an aggregate of 1,317,826 Shares. Collectively, the Reporting Persons and the JCP Parties beneficially own 3,285,073 Shares, which represents approximately 17.5% of the outstanding Shares. Each Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares that he or it does not directly own. Furthermore, the Reporting Persons expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of the 1,317,826 Shares beneficially owned in the aggregate by the JCP Parties.
(b) By virtue of their respective positions with 22NW Fund, each of 22NW, 22NW GP, 22NW Inc. and Mr. English may be deemed to have sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares directly beneficially owned by 22NW Fund.
Mr. English has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares directly beneficially owned by him.
Mr. Broderick has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares directly beneficially owned by him.
Mr. Hirai-Hadley has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares directly beneficially owned by him.
Mr. Mitchell has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares directly beneficially owned by him.
(c) The transactions in the Shares by the Reporting Persons during the past sixty days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference. All of such transactions were effected in the open market unless otherwise noted therein.
(d) No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.
(e) | Not applicable. |
Item 6. | Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer. |
The description of the Group Agreement contained in Item 4 above is incorporated herein by reference.
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CUSIP No. 307675108
Other than as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.
Item 7. | Material to be Filed as Exhibits. |
99.1 | Group Agreement, dated October 3, 2022. |
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CUSIP No. 307675108
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Dated: October 7, 2022
22NW FUND, LP | |||
By: | 22NW Fund GP, LLC General Partner | ||
By: | /s/ Aron R. English | ||
Name: | Aron R. English | ||
Title: | Manager |
22NW, LP | |||
By: | 22NW GP, Inc. General Partner | ||
By: | /s/ Aron R. English | ||
Name: | Aron R. English | ||
Title: | President and Sole Shareholder |
22NW FUND GP, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Aron R. English | ||
Name: | Aron R. English | ||
Title: | Manager |
22NW GP, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Aron R. English | ||
Name: | Aron R. English | ||
Title: | President and Sole Shareholder |
/s/ Aron R. English | |
ARON R. ENGLISH |
/s/ Ryan W. Broderick | |
RYAN W. BRODERICK |
/s/ Bryson O. Hirai-Hadley | |
BRYSON O. HIRAI-HADLEY |
/s/ Cory J. Mitchell | |
CORY J. MITCHELL |
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CUSIP No. 307675108
SCHEDULE A
Transactions in the Securities of the Issuer During the Past Sixty (60) Days
Nature of the Transaction | Amount of Securities Purchased/(Sold) | Price ($) | Date of Purchase/Sale |
22NW FUND, LP
Purchase of Common Stock | 2,700 | 5.0500 | 08/12/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 4,627 | 5.0798 | 08/16/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 2,867 | 5.0600 | 08/17/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 16,147 | 5.0959 | 08/17/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 7,129 | 5.2025 | 08/18/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 75,000 | 5.6000 | 09/02/2022 |
Purchase of Common Stock | 130,304 | 5.2500 | 09/09/2022 |