SAN DIEGO and ST. LOUIS, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shareholder rights attorneys at Robbins Arroyo LLP are investigating the acquisition of Zoltek Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZOLT) by Toray Industries, Inc.  On September 26, 2013, Zoltek announced the signing of a merger agreement under which Toray will acquire Zoltek in an all cash transaction for $16.75 per share.  The Zoltek board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in late 2013 or early 2014.

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Is the Merger Best for Zoltek and Its Shareholders?

Robbins Arroyo LLP's investigation focuses on whether the board of directors at Zoltek is undertaking a fair process to obtain maximum value and to adequately compensate its shareholders in the merger.  As an initial matter, the $16.75 consideration represents a premium of less than 2% based on Zoltek's closing price on September 25, 2013.  This premium is substantially below the average one-day premium of nearly 45% for comparable transactions in the last three years.  Further, Zoltek has traded above the offer price as recently as July 24, 2013.   

Moreover, it appears that certain Zoltek fiduciaries are seeking to benefit themselves in the merger.  In particular, Zoltek's board of directors agreed to provide additional compensation to company executive officers subject to consummation of the merger. This executive compensation includes a $768,000 payment to Zsolt Rumy, Zoltek's Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer; a $615,000 payment to Andrew Whipple, Zoltek's Chief Financial Officer; and a $500,000 payment to George Husman, Zoltek's Director and Chief Technology Officer. 

Given the above benefits, Mr. Rumy entered into a voting agreement with Toray, in which Mr. Rumy agreed to vote his company stock, representing approximately 18% of Zoltek's outstanding shares, in favor of the merger.

Zoltek shareholders have the option to file a class action lawsuit to secure the best possible price for shareholders and the disclosure of material information so shareholders can vote on the transaction in an informed manner.  Zoltek shareholders interested in information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue at (800) 350-6003, ddonahue@robbinsarroyo.com, 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 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.  For more information, please go to http://www.robbinsarroyo.com.

Press release link: http://www.robbinsarroyo.com/shareholders-rights-blog/zoltek-companies-inc/

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Contact:Darnell R. DonahueRobbins Arroyo LLPddonahue@robbinsarroyo.com(619) 525-3990 or Toll Free (800) 350-6003www.robbinsarroyo.com

SOURCE Robbins Arroyo LLP

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