Insurgent Investor Mark Schwarz Isn’t Taking No for an Answer

After specialty property and casualty insurance company Specialty Underwriters Alliance Inc. rejected his Hallmark Financial Services Inc.’s $6.50 a share, or $115 million, bid to buy the company, Schwarz on July 1, Tuesday, sent a letter to the company’s directors outlining benefits of such a deal.

“Hallmark senior management stands ready to meet with members of the board to answer questions regarding the proposal,” Schwarz wrote in a letter attached to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

The specialty property and casualty insurance company last week rejected Schwarz’s unsolicited takeover bid. Schwarz owns 9.9% of Specialty Underwriters.

In the filing, Schwarz points out that his offer represents a 31% premium on the $4.96 a share Specialty Underwriters Alliance was trading at on Friday June 20, the last business day before the company made Schwarz’s offer public, Monday, June 23. Schwarz also argues that SUAI’s business model will be improved by the addition of Hallmark’s strong financial position. This transaction will allow SUAI shareholders to enjoy a much higher return on their pro-rata share of invested capital in a combined company,” Schwarz added.

Schwarz’s investment vehicle, Newcastle Partners is the controlling shareholder of Hallmark Financial. -- Ron Orol