0000921895-12-000993.txt : 20120508 0000921895-12-000993.hdr.sgml : 20120508 20120508114317 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921895-12-000993 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120508 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120508 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PROGRESS SOFTWARE CORP /MA CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000876167 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 042746201 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-42022 FILM NUMBER: 12820321 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 14 OAK PARK CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 BUSINESS PHONE: 781-280-4473 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 14 OAK PARK DRIVE CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Starboard Value LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001517137 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 830 THIRD AVENUE, 3RD FLOOR CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10022 BUSINESS PHONE: (212) 845-7977 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 830 THIRD AVENUE, 3RD FLOOR CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10022 SC 13D/A 1 sc13da306297105_05072012.htm AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE SCHEDULE 13D sc13da306297105_05072012.htm
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.  3)1

Progress Software Corporation
(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)

743312100
(CUSIP Number)
 
JEFFREY C. SMITH
STARBOARD VALUE LP
830 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10022
(212) 845-7977

STEVEN WOLOSKY, ESQ.
OLSHAN GRUNDMAN FROME ROSENZWEIG & WOLOSKY LLP
Park Avenue Tower
65 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 451-2300
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

May 7, 2012
(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. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND LTD
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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
 
CAYMAN ISLANDS
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
1,784,358
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,784,358
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,784,358
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.8%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CO

 
2

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY S LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
604,951
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
604,951
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
604,951
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
Less than 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
3

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD VALUE LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
4

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD VALUE GP LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
5

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
6

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO GP LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
7

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
JEFFREY C. SMITH
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
8

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
MARK MITCHELL
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
9

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PETER A. FELD
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
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
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
3,235,000
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
3,235,000
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
3,235,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
10

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
The following constitutes Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (“Amendment No. 3”).  This Amendment No. 3 amends the Schedule 13D as specifically set forth herein.
 
Item 2.
Identity and Background.
 
Item 2 is hereby amended to add the following:
 
As more fully described in Item 4 below, on May 7, 2012, the Reporting Persons informed the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”) of their decision to withdraw their director nominations and pending proxy contest at the 2012 annual meeting of the Issuer’s shareholders (the “2012 Annual Meeting”).  As such, Messrs. Fuller and Terino will no longer be members of the Section 13(d) group.  The remaining Reporting Persons will continue filing as a group statements on Schedule 13D with respect to their beneficial ownership of securities of the Issuer to the extent required by applicable law.  The Reporting Persons have terminated the Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement, as amended, as of the date hereof, and each of the remaining Reporting Persons has entered into a Joint Filing Agreement, as described in Item 6 below.
 
Item 4.
Purpose of Transaction.
 
Item 4 is hereby amended to add the following:
 
On May 7, 2012, the Reporting Persons delivered a letter to Jay Bhatt, the Issuer’s President and CEO, and to the Board, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.  In the letter, Starboard stated that the strategic plan outlined by the Issuer’s management is a large step in the right direction and addresses many of Starboard’s previously outlined concerns.  Starboard noted its belief that the Issuer’s stock continues to be undervalued and, with good execution of the strategic plan, operating margins can exceed the 35% target.  Starboard strongly advised the Issuer to refrain from any acquisitions until after it has successfully executed the entire strategic plan and the Issuer is no longer undervalued by the stock market. Starboard informed Mr. Bhatt and the Board of its decision to withdraw the pending proxy contest in order to allow management to singularly focus on the execution of the announced strategic plan.  Starboard expressed it is appreciative of the good working relationship it has developed with Mr. Bhatt and his management team and looks forward to continuing the constructive dialogue as Starboard monitors the Issuer’s progress in increasing profitability, growth, and shareholder value. 
 
Item 5.
Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
 
Items 5(a)-(c) are hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
 
The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 62,791,424 Shares outstanding, as of March 23, 2012, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20, 2012.
 
A.
Starboard V&O Fund
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on May 7, 2012, Starboard V&O Fund beneficially owned 1,784,358 Shares.
 
Percentage: Approximately 2.8%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 1,784,358
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition:  1,784,358
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0
 
 
11

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
 
(c)
Starboard V&O Fund has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
B.
Starboard LLC
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on May 7, 2012, Starboard LLC beneficially owned 604,951 Shares.
 
Percentage: Less than 1%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 604,951
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 604,951
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Starboard LLC has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
C.
Starboard Value LP
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on May 7, 2012, 845,691 Shares were held in the Starboard Value LP Account.  Starboard Value LP, as the investment manager of Starboard V&O Fund and the Manager of Starboard LLC, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,784,358 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund and (ii) 604,951 Shares owned by Starboard LLC.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.2%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,235,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,235,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Starboard Value LP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
D.
Starboard Value GP
 
 
(a)
Starboard Value GP, as the general partner of Starboard Value LP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,784,358 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 604,951 Shares owned by Starboard LLC and (iii) 845,691 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.2%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,235,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,235,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0
 
 
12

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100

 
(c)
Starboard Value GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
E.
Principal Co
 
 
(a)
Principal Co, as a member of Starboard Value GP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,784,358 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 604,951 Shares owned by Starboard LLC and (iii) 845,691 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.2%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,235,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,235,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Principal Co has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
F.
Principal GP
 
 
(a)
Principal GP, as the general partner of Principal Co, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,784,358 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 604,951 Shares owned by Starboard LLC and (iii) 845,691 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.2%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,235,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,235,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Principal GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
G.
Messrs. Smith, Mitchell and Feld
 
 
(a)
Each of Messrs. Smith, Mitchell and Feld, as a member of Principal GP and as a member of each of the Management Committee of Starboard Value GP and the Management Committee of Principal GP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,784,358 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 604,951 Shares owned by Starboard LLC and (iii) 845,691 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.2%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 3,235,000
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,235,000
 
 
13

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100

(c)           None of Messrs. Smith, Mitchell or Feld has entered into any transactions in the Shares since the filing of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.
 
Item 6.
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.
 
Item 6 is hereby amended to add the following:
 
On May 8, 2012, the Reporting Persons entered into a Joint Filing Agreement in which the Reporting Persons agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer to the extent required by applicable law.  The Joint Filing Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 7.
Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
 
Item 7 is hereby amended to add the following exhibits:
 
 
99.1
Letter to President and CEO Jay Bhatt and the Board.
 
 
99.2
Joint Filing Agreement.
 
 
14

 
CUSIP NO. 743312100
 
SIGNATURES
 
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
 
Dated:  May 8, 2012
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND LTD
By: Starboard Value LP,
       its investment manager
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY S LLC
By: Starboard Value LP,
       its manager
 
STARBOARD VALUE LP
By: Starboard Value GP LLC,
       its general partner
 
STARBOARD VALUE GP LLC
By: Starboard Principal Co LP,
       its member
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO LP
By: Starboard Principal Co GP LLC,
       its general partner
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO GP LLC

 
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
 
Name:
Jeffrey C. Smith
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory

 
 
/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
JEFFREY C. SMITH
Individually and as attorney-in-fact for Mark R. Mitchell and Peter A. Feld

 
15

 
EX-99.1 2 ex991to13da306297105_050712.htm LETTER TO THE BOARD ex991to13da306297101_050712.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
 
May 7, 2012
 

 
Jay Bhatt
President and CEO
Progress Software Corp
14 Oak Park
Bedford, MA 01730
 
cc:           Board of Directors
 
Dear Jay,
 
We enjoyed meeting with you at our offices last week.  As we discussed with you during our meeting, we appreciate the attitude from which you addressed the strategic plan and your openness to receiving input from shareholders during your evaluation process.  We agree with your premise that Progress Software Corporation ("Progress" or the "Company") needed to be refocused around its core strong cash flow application development business. Overall, this plan addresses many of the concerns that we outlined in our previous letters to management by increasing the operational focus of the Company while reducing costs and driving substantially improved earnings and cash flow.  We believe that this plan represents a large step in the right direction and will, if properly executed, improve the Company's performance and unlock significant value for all shareholders.
 
At the current share price, we believe Progress remains extremely undervalued due to the execution risk associated with the plan.  As such, it is critical for management to execute the planned restructuring of the Company in a focused and timely manner.  Given the extremely strong margins in the OpenEdge segment of the ongoing business, we believe that 35% operating margins are an easily achievable target and that there is additional upside for margins to expand beyond 35% with good execution.
 
Assuming the company is able to just execute to 35% operating margins, this would imply the company is currently trading at a 6.5x pro forma EBITDA multiple without even taking into effect the expected proceeds from the dispositions of the 10 or more businesses available for sale.  If those businesses are sold for only 2.0x sales the pro forma multiple would be 4.3x EBITDA(1).  If management and the board of directors (the "Board") are confident in this execution, we believe the Board should execute on the first part of the planned $350mm buyback with a large dutch auction in order to buy back more stock more quickly and then follow up with an open market buyback authorization.
 
We hope and expect that the current Board recognizes the importance of management maintaining their focus on the execution of the restructuring plan, divestiture plan and subsequent operating plan for the pro forma Company. As such, we strongly advise that you refrain from any acquisitions until after the Company has successfully executed the entire strategic plan and the Company is no longer undervalued by the stock market. 
 
We have therefore decided to withdraw our director nominations and pending proxy contest at this year's annual meeting so that you and your team can singularly focus on your implementation of the strategic plan.  We are appreciative of the good working relationship we have developed with you and your team and look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue as we monitor the Company's progress in increasing profitability, growth, and shareholder value. 
 
Best Regards,
 
Jeffrey C. Smith
Managing Member
Starboard Value LP
 
(1) Assumes $21.84 share price as of 5/4/2012.
 
EX-99.2 3 ex992to13da306297105_050712.htm JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ex992to13da306297105_050712.htm
Exhibit 99.2
 
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
 
In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a Statement on Schedule 13D (including additional amendments thereto) with respect to the shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of Progress Software Corporation.  This Joint Filing Agreement shall be filed as an Exhibit to such Statement.
 
Dated:  May 8, 2012
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY FUND LTD
By: Starboard Value LP,
       its investment manager
 
STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY S LLC
By: Starboard Value LP,
       its manager
 
STARBOARD VALUE LP
By: Starboard Value GP LLC,
       its general partner
 
STARBOARD VALUE GP LLC
By: Starboard Principal Co LP,
       its member
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO LP
By: Starboard Principal Co GP LLC,
       its general partner
 
STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO GP LLC

 
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
 
Name:
Jeffrey C. Smith
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory

 
 
/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
JEFFREY C. SMITH
Individually and as attorney-in-fact for Mark Mitchell and Peter A. Feld


 
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