Lexmark Once Again Increases ReadSoft Offer

LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 5, 2014 — Lexmark International, Inc. today announced that it has increased its cash tender offer price for all of the outstanding shares of Sweden-based ReadSoft. This cash offer is Swedish Krona (SEK) 55.50, an 11 percent increase from Lexmark’s July 14, 2014, offer of SEK 50.00 for each Class A and Class B share of ReadSoft, for a price of approximately $248 million, net of cash acquired.

Lexmark made the decision to increase its tender offer price because it continues to believe the combination of ReadSoft with Lexmark’s Perceptive Software is a strong strategic fit and in response to a competitive offer for ReadSoft shares announced on Aug. 4.

Pursuant to a Transaction Agreement with Lexmark, ReadSoft’s Board of Directors has agreed to continue to recommend in favor of Lexmark’s revised tender offer. In addition, the undertaking by ReadSoft’s two largest shareholders to tender their shares to Lexmark extends to Lexmark’s revised tender offer.

The offer period for ReadSoft shareholders to tender their shares will begin on or about Aug. 7 and run to Aug. 28, 2014, unless otherwise extended. Settlement of the tender offer is expected to occur around Sept. 4, 2014, after the end of the offer period.

“We remain convinced that the acquisition by Lexmark is the best strategic, long-term fit for ReadSoft and its employees,” said Paul Rooke, Lexmark chairman and chief executive officer. 

“We have presented a compelling offer to ReadSoft shareholders, which is confirmed by the undertaking of ReadSoft’s founders to tender their shares to Lexmark, and the unanimous recommendation from ReadSoft’s Board of Directors,” added Rooke.