Marcato Comments On Virtus' Proposed Acquisition Of Ridgeworth

While Marcato supports Virtus' transformational and strategically compelling proposed acquisition of RidgeWorth, it believes that the transaction can be significantly more accretive to Virtus' earnings per share ("EPS") than the "15%+" guidance currently provided by management if equity dilution is minimized.  Marcato believes that, by maximizing the amount of cash and available balance sheet capacity used in the transaction, Virtus can achieve EPS accretion of more than 50%.

Shawn Badlani, a Partner at Marcato, said: "As a significant Virtus shareholder, we are sensitive to the Company's limited disclosure on how it plans to finance the proposed acquisition of RidgeWorth, creating uncertainty about the magnitude of value creation.  We believe management, the Board, and the investment community would benefit from reviewing our analysis on how Virtus can best maximize value."

The presentation is available by clicking here http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460120/Marcato_Virtus_Investment_Partners.pdf.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The press release and the presentation referred to herein may contain forward-looking statements which reflect Marcato's views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any idea or assumption herein or in the presentation is, or will be proven, correct. If one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Marcato's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results may vary materially from outcomes indicated by these statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Marcato that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will ever be achieved.

Additional Information

The views expressed in this press release and the presentation referred to herein represent the opinions of Marcato and the investment funds it manages that may be deemed to beneficially own shares in the Company, and are based on publicly available information with respect to the Company.  Marcato recognizes that the Company may possess confidential information that could lead it to disagree with Marcato's views and/or conclusions. Any estimates, projections, and potential impact of opportunities identified by Marcato herein are based on assumptions that Marcato believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Marcato reserves the right to change any of its opinions expressed herein or therein at any time as it deems appropriate. Information contained in this press release and the presentation, has not been independently verified by Marcato, and Marcato disclaims any and all liability as to the completeness or accuracy of the information and for any omissions of material facts. Marcato undertakes no obligation to correct, update or revise this press release or the presentation or to otherwise provide any additional materials. Neither Marcato nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, fairness or completeness of the information contained herein or therein.

Funds managed by Marcato may be deemed to beneficially own, and/or have an economic interest in, shares of the Company. These funds are in the business of trading—buying and selling—securities. It is possible, in fact likely, that there will be developments in the future that cause one or more of such funds to engage in transactions that change their beneficial and/or economic interest in the Company, including but not limited to selling all or a portion of their holdings in the Company. Marcato may buy or sell or otherwise change the form or substance of any of the funds' investments in the Company in any manner permitted by law, including, possibly, without notice to the market, or any other party.

SOURCE Marcato Capital Management LP