CHANDLER, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rogers Corporation today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Starboard Value LP regarding the composition of Rogers’ Board of Directors, among other things. Starboard is an investment firm that owns approximately 6.5% of Rogers’ outstanding common stock.
Under the terms of the Agreement, Rogers has appointed to the Board Anne K. Roby, former Executive Vice President at Linde plc., and Armand F. Lauzon, Jr., former President and Chief Executive Officer at C&D Technologies, Inc., as new independent directors. Upon completion of the Annual Meeting, the Board will be composed of nine members, eight of whom are independent.
“We are excited to add Anne and Armand to our Board, both of whom bring valuable skills and experiences. Their perspectives will benefit shareholders as we continue to execute on our proven strategy to deliver sustainable growth and drive value for all shareholders,” said Peter Wallace, Chair of the Board. “We are pleased to have reached a constructive agreement with Starboard, which we believe is in the best interests of the Company and all shareholders.”
“I look forward to working with our newly expanded Board to continue executing against our strategic plan to capture opportunities in high-growth markets, drive operational improvements and improve profitability,” said Colin Gouveia, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past year, we have taken several important steps that have helped us navigate through near-term macro headwinds and build strong momentum for our business. We are confident we have the right plan in place to deliver long-term value for all shareholders.”
“We invested in Rogers because of its strong technology portfolio, leading positions in attractive end markets, and significant opportunity to improve both growth and profitability,” said Jeff Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Starboard. “After constructive discussions with the Rogers Board, we are excited to have these new directors contribute their deep operating expertise and fresh perspectives in order to help Rogers capitalize on its many opportunities and maximize value for all shareholders.”
Pursuant to the Agreement, Starboard has agreed to withdraw the director nominations it previously submitted to the Company and has entered into customary standstill and voting commitments. The Agreement and additional information regarding its terms will be filed on a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
J.P. Morgan served as exclusive financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to the Company. Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP served as legal advisor to Starboard.
About Anne K. Roby
Dr. Anne Roby served as Executive Vice President at Linde plc., the world’s leading industrial gases company, until her retirement in 2020. She was a member of Linde’s executive leadership team subsequent to Linde AG’s merger with Praxair and was responsible for global technology, market development, operational excellence, digitalization, procurement, strategic sales, sustainability, and safety, health & environment as well as the Praxair Surface Technologies, Electronic Materials and Helium/Rare Gases businesses. Previously, she oversaw Praxair’s engineering, product line development and project execution. Dr. Roby currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Villanova University. She is also the Chair of the Board for Nuvance Health Network and previously served on the Board of CMC Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCMP). She earned a B.S. degree from Villanova University and PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware. She holds four patents for industrial gas applications.
Armand F. Lauzon, Jr
Armand F. Lauzon, Jr. served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of C&D Technologies, Inc., a power conversion systems and electrical power storage company, from March 2015 to January 2020. Prior to that, he served as a CEO and Board Member for three portfolio companies of The Carlyle Group Inc., including Sequa Corporation, a service provider to the aerospace and metal coating industries; Zekelman Industries Inc., a metal tube and pipe manufacturer; and Firth Rixon Limited, a precision metal component manufacturing company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Lauzon served as President of Wyman Gordon, a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corporation. He began his career in a variety of operations positions in the Aircraft Engine Division of General Electric Company. Mr. Lauzon currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Zekelman and Northwest Hardwoods Inc. He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and an MBA from the University of New Haven.
About Rogers
Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global leader in engineered materials to power, protect and connect our world. Rogers delivers innovative solutions to help our customers solve their toughest material challenges. Rogers’ advanced electronic and elastomeric materials are used in applications for EV/HEV, automotive safety and radar systems, mobile devices, renewable energy, wireless infrastructure, energy-efficient motor drives, industrial equipment and more. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Asia and Europe, with sales offices worldwide.
About Starboard Value LP
Starboard Value LP is a New York-based investment adviser with a focused and differentiated fundamental approach to investing primarily in publicly traded U.S. companies. Starboard seeks to invest in deeply undervalued companies and actively engage with management teams and boards of directors to identify and execute on opportunities to unlock value for the benefit of all shareholders.
