Tracking Alpha
What it is
The code on a source label names the kind of filing a fact comes from.
On the site as8-KDEFM14ASC TO-T
How to read it
The ones a cash deal usually has:
- 8-KCurrent report
- A short report a public company files when something important happens, usually within four business days. Numbered items say what happened, such as signing or completing a deal.
- PREM14APreliminary proxy statement
- The first draft of the merger proxy. It must be filed at least ten calendar days before the final version is sent, so the SEC can review it. The meeting date may still be blank.
- DEFM14ADefinitive proxy statement
- The final merger proxy, sent to shareholders. It gives the meeting date, the record date (you must own shares on that date to vote) and the story of how the deal came about.
- DEFA14AAdditional proxy materials
- Other material the company uses to ask for votes, such as press releases, letters to shareholders and extra disclosures added to the proxy. It can be filed from the day the deal is announced.
- DEFM14CDefinitive information statement
- The final information statement, sent to shareholders. The deal can't be completed until at least 20 calendar days after it is sent.
- SC TO-TTender offer statement
- The tender offer itself, filed by the buyer: the price, the conditions and when it expires. It must stay open for at least 20 business days. Amendments extend it, change it or report how many shares were tendered.
- SC 14D9The company's response
- The target company's answer to a tender offer, due within 10 business days after it starts. It says whether the board recommends that shareholders tender, and why.
- SC 13E3Going-private statement
- Filed when management, a controlling shareholder or another insider is on the buying side. It must say whether those filing it believe the deal is fair to the other shareholders, and why. The checklist says whether the deal's filings say this statement may be required, will be filed or has been filed.
