Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) (Nasdaq and MTA: CTIC) announced today that on December 24, 2009, CTI's Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors") approved and adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan") in which one preferred stock purchase right will be distributed for each common share held as of the close of business on January 7, 2010. Initially, the rights are not exercisable, and are attached to and trade with, all of the shares of CTI's common stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the record date.
"This is a critical turning point as CTI prepares for the potential launch of pixantrone, a product which we believe has significant commercial prospects for CTI and its shareholders," said James A. Bianco, M.D., CEO of CTI. "The Board of Directors believes that the Rights Plan will enhance CTI's ability to protect shareholder interests and enable shareholders to receive fair treatment in the event of an unsolicited takeover attempt. The Rights Plan is intended to provide the Board of Directors with sufficient time to consider any and all alternatives to enhance value for our shareholders."
The Rights Plan is designed to deter coercive takeover tactics, and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of CTI without offering a fair price to all of CTI's shareholders. The Rights Plan will not prevent a takeover, but should encourage anyone seeking to acquire CTI to negotiate with the Board of Directors prior to attempting a takeover.