MIAMI, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Benihana Inc.
(NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese
theme and sushi restaurants, today announced that the results of
the vote held at the November 17,
2011 Special Meeting of Stockholders have been certified as
final. Stockholders in all classes voted in favor of the
reclassification proposal (the "Reclassification") that will
simplify the Company's capital structure by reclassifying each
share of Class A Common Stock into one share of Common Stock.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/NY02073LOGO
)
The restated certificate of incorporation has been filed with
and certified by the Delaware
Secretary of State. Additionally, trading in the Class A
Common Stock has now ceased, and each outstanding share of
Class A Common Stock will automatically be reclassified into one
share of Common Stock without any action required on the part of
the Class A stockholders. Information will be provided to
holders of Class A Common Stock on the exchange of the Class A
Common Stock certificates into Common Stock certificates.
Richard C. Stockinger, Benihana
Inc.'s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, commented,
"We are extremely pleased by the support we received from all
classes of stockholders. We believe these results demonstrate
our stockholders' shared belief with Benihana's Board and
management team that the Reclassification will simplify the capital
structure, improve transparency and liquidity, increase flexibility
to pursue strategic opportunities and strengthen corporate
governance.
"Our primary focus continues to be on our mission of providing
our guests with outstanding food quality and superior customer
service in the context of our unique and entertaining service
model. By maintaining this focus, we are confident that we
will continue to build on our strong performance momentum and
enhance overall shareholder value," Stockinger concluded.
About Benihana
Headquartered in Miami,
Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: BNHN, BNHNA) is the nation's leading
operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 96
restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana restaurants, eight
Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. In addition, 18
franchised Benihana restaurants are operating in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about Benihana Inc.
and its three restaurant concepts, please view the corporate video
at www.benihana.com/about/video.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements
in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the
business and prospects of the Benihana, including, without
limitation: risks related to Benihana's business strategy,
including the Renewal Program and marketing programs; risks related
to Benihana's ability to operate successfully in the current
challenging economic environment; risks related to Benihana's
efforts to strengthen its Benihana Teppanyaki concept and build its
RA Sushi and Haru brands; and other risks and uncertainties that
may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the
forward-looking statements. Past performance may not be indicative
of future results. Although Benihana believes the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon
reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that its
expectations will be realized. In addition to the risks and
uncertainties set forth above, investors should consider the risks
and uncertainties discussed in Benihana's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation,
the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk
Factors" in such filings. Benihana does not undertake any
obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to
reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such
statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events.
Media Contact
Jeremy Fielding / Anntal
Silver
Kekst and Company
(212) 521-4800
SOURCE Benihana Inc.