Acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HE) by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) May Not Be in Shareholders' Best Interests

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Dec 04, 2014, 07:21 ET

SAN DIEGO and HONOLULU, Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights attorneys at Robbins Arroyo LLP are investigating the proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE) by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). On December 3, 2014, the two companies announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which NextEra Energy will acquire Hawaiian Electric. Under the terms of the agreement, Hawaiian Electric shareholders will receive $33.50 for each share of Hawaiian Electric common stock.

View this information on the law firm's Shareholder Rights Blog: www.robbinsarroyo.com/shareholders-rights-blog/hawaiian-electric-industries-inc

Is the Proposed Acquisition Best for Hawaiian Electric and Its Shareholders?

Robbins Arroyo LLP's investigation focuses on whether the board of directors at Hawaiian Electric is undertaking a fair process to obtain maximum value and adequately compensate its shareholders.

As an initial matter, the $33.50 merger consideration represents a premium of only 18.8% based on Hawaiian Electric's closing price on December 2, 2014. This premium is below the average one day premium of nearly 22.4% for comparable transactions within the past year.

On November 6, 2014, Hawaiian Electric released its earnings results for its third quarter 2014, reporting strong quarterly earnings. Net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $38.9 million compared to $37.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of approximately 3%. Revenue for the third quarter of 2014 was $867 million compared to $829 million in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of approximately 4.5%. Further, Hawaiian Electric beat consensus analyst estimates for adjusted EPS and adjusted net income in every quarter for the past year.

In light of these facts, Robbins Arroyo LLP is examining Hawaiian Electric's board of directors' decision to sell the company now rather than allow shareholders to continue to participate in the company's continued success and future growth prospects.

Hawaiian Electric shareholders have the option to file a class action lawsuit to ensure the board of directors obtains the best possible price for shareholders and the disclosure of material information. Hawaiian Electric shareholders interested in information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue at (800) 350-6003, [email protected], or via the shareholder information form on the firm's website.

Robbins Arroyo LLP is a nationally recognized leader in securities litigation and shareholder rights law. The law firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact:
Darnell R. Donahue
Robbins Arroyo LLP
600 B Street, Suite 1900
San Diego, CA 92101
[email protected]
(619) 525-3990 or Toll Free (800) 350-6003
www.robbinsarroyo.com

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SOURCE Robbins Arroyo LLP