Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. yesterday announced that the previously announced 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock will take effect on May 22, 2012. The Company's common stock is expected to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on the NASDAQ Global Select Market as of the open of trading on May 23, 2012.Upon the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, each 4 shares of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock will be automatically combined and converted into one issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The reverse stock split will affect all issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, as well as common stock underlying stock options and other common stock-based equity grants outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse split of the issued and outstanding common stock. Shareholders who would otherwise hold a fractional share of the Company's common stock will receive a cash payment in lieu of such fractional share.
The reverse stock split will reduce the number of outstanding shares of the Company's common stock from 63,003,286 to approximately 15,750,821. The number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock will not be affected by the reverse split.
Shareholders with shares held in book-entry form or through a bank, broker, or other nominee are not required to take any action and will see the impact of the reverse stock split reflected in their accounts after May 22, 2012. Beneficial holders may contact their bank, broker, or nominee for more information.
Shareholders with shares held in certificate form are required to exchange their stock certificates for a new certificate representing the shares of common stock resulting from the reverse split. Shortly after May 22, 2012, registered holders who hold stock in certificate form will receive a Letter of Transmittal and instructions for exchanging their certificates from the Company's exchange agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A.