Originally published at ThermoFisher Scientific
Viasys Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: VAS-W) announced today that its board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan. Under the plan, one right will be distributed today on each share of Viasys Healthcare common stock outstanding at the close of business. Viasys Healthcare adopted the rights plan in anticipation of its spinoff from Thermo Electron Corporation on November 15, 2001.
“The rights plan is designed to provide shareholders with fair and equal treatment in the event of an unsolicited attempt to acquire the company, and is similar to Thermo Electron’s and that of thousands of other publicly traded companies,” said Randy H. Thurman, president and chief executive officer of Viasys Healthcare. “As a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron, we didn’t need to take advantage of the benefits offered by a such a plan. Going forward as a public company, however, the rights plan will help Viasys Healthcare shareholders realize the long-term value of their investment.” He added that the company was not aware of any unsolicited offer or takeover attempt.