Palm closes strategic recapitalization with Elevation Partners

Palm has announced that its recapitalization plan with the private-equity firm Elevation Partners has closed, positioning Palm to lead the next phase of the smartphone and mobile-computing markets. Elevation has invested $325 million in Palm, and the company will utilize these proceeds along with existing cash and $400 million of new debt to finance a $9 per share cash distribution.
 
Jon Rubinstein, former senior vice president of hardware engineering and head of the iPod division at Apple, has joined Palm as executive chairman of the board, and Fred Anderson and Roger McNamee, managing directors and co-founders of Elevation, have joined Palm's board of directors. Rubinstein, Anderson, and McNamee replace Eric Benhamou and Bruce Dunlevie, who resigned from Palm's board of directors. The total number of directors on the board has been increased from eight to nine in connection with the transaction.
 
"This transaction lays the groundwork for Palm to recapture our position as the leading innovator and brand of the mobile-computing revolution. We will build on our history of innovation to create next-generation, software-rich mobile solutions that enable people to more effectively manage their lives and communicate with family, friends and colleagues wherever they are," said Ed Colligan, Palm president and chief executive officer. "We are also pleased that we can reward our shareholders with this $9 cash distribution, and provide them with the opportunity to be rewarded further through their continued long-term investment in Palm."
 
Jon Rubinstein said, "I am focused on working with Ed and the team to build on the legacy of Palm and drive innovation in the mobile-computing market. Over the last few months, I've seen the huge potential that lies in Palm's brand, distribution and loyal customer base. Palm's future roadmap in terms of both the software and products is impressive and complements the new products that Palm has recently introduced. While there is much work to be done, there are exciting days ahead for all of us."
 
Roger McNamee added, "The next generation of mobile computing will be defined by companies that have deep software expertise as well as leading design capabilities. We are confident that Palm can and will drive the future of mobile computing with its integrated software solutions, history of innovation and loyal customer base. We look forward to working with Ed, Jon and the entire Palm team to deliver cutting-edge products that will transform the mobile-device market and create long-term value for Palm's shareholders."