sxcl20140724_sc13d.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

 

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT

TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO

§ 240.13d-2(a)

 

(Amendment No. )1

 

Aviat Networks, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01

(Title of Class of Securities)

 

05366Y102
(CUSIP Number)

 

Warren G. Lichtenstein

Steel Partners Holdings L.P.

590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor

New York, New York 10022

(212) 520-2300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person

Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 

July 14, 2014

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ☐.

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

  

 

_______________

1             The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 
 
 

 

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

               STEEL EXCEL INC.

  

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

 

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

3

SEC USE ONLY

  

 

 

 

  

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

               WC

  

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

      ☐
     

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                DELAWARE

  

 NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

              - 0 -

  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

 8

SHARED VOTING POWER

             

            3,229,894

  
PERSON WITH 9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

              

              - 0 -

  
  10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

             3,229,894

  
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

             3,229,894

  
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES       ☐
     
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

             5.2%

  
14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

             CO

  

 

 
 
 

 

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

              

                STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.

  

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

3

SEC USE ONLY

  

 

 

 

  

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

               AF

  

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

      ☐
     

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                DELAWARE

  

 NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

              - 0 -

  

OWNED BY

 EACH 

REPORTING

 8

SHARED VOTING POWER

             

              3,229,894

  
PERSON WITH 9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

              - 0 -

  
  10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

             3,229,894

  
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

                3,229,894

  
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES       ☐
     
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

               5.2%

  
14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

               PN

  

   

 
 
 

 

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

               SPH GROUP LLC

  

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

3

SEC USE ONLY

  

 

 

 

  

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

               AF

  

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

      ☐
     

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                DELAWARE

  

 NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

             

              - 0 -

  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

 8

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

              3,229,894

  
PERSON WITH 9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

              - 0 -

  
  10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

             3,229,894

  
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

                

                3,229,894

  
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES       ☐
     
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

              

                5.2%

  
14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

               OO

  
   

 
 
 

 

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

               SPH GROUP HOLDINGS LLC

  

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

3

SEC USE ONLY

  

 

 

 

  

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

               AF

  

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

      ☐
     

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                DELAWARE

  

 NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

             

              - 0 -

  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

 8

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

              3,229,894

  
PERSON WITH 9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

              - 0 -

  
  10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

             3,229,894

  
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

                

                3,229,894

  
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES       ☐
     
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

              

                5.2%

  
14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

               OO

  

   

 
 
 

 

1

NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS

 

               STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS GP INC.

  

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

3

SEC USE ONLY

  

 

 

 

  

4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

 

               AF

  

5

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

      ☐
     

6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

                DELAWARE

  

 NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

             

              - 0 -

  

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

 8

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

              3,229,894

  
PERSON WITH 9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

              - 0 -

  
  10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

             3,229,894

  
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

                

                3,229,894

  
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES       ☐
     
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

              

                5.2%

  
14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

 

               CO

  
   

 
 
 

  

The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).

 

Item 1.         Security and Issuer.

 

This statement relates to the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), of Aviat Networks, Inc. (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054.

 

Item 2.         Identity and Background.

 

(a)     This statement is filed by Steel Excel Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Steel Excel”), Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Steel Holdings”), SPH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“SPHG”), SPH Group Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“SPHG Holdings”), and Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Steel Holdings GP”). Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.”

 

SPHG Holdings beneficially owns approximately 51% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of Steel Excel.  Steel Holdings owns 99% of the membership interests of SPHG. SPHG is the sole member of SPHG Holdings. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Holdings, the managing member of SPHG and the manager of SPHG Holdings. Accordingly, for purposes of this Schedule 13D, each of SPHG Holdings, SPHG, Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned directly by Steel Excel.  Each of SPHG Holdings, SPHG, Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares owned directly by Steel Excel except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

 

Set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto (“Schedule A”) is the name and present principal business, occupation or employment and the name, principal business and address of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is conducted of (i) the executive officers and directors of Steel Excel and (ii) the executive officers and directors of Steel Holdings GP.  To the best of the Reporting Persons’ knowledge, except as otherwise set forth herein, none of the persons listed on Schedule A beneficially owns any securities of the Issuer or is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding required to be disclosed herein.

 

 (b)     The principal business address of each Reporting Person other than Steel Excel is 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10022. The principal business address of Steel Excel is 1133 Westchester Avenue, Suite N222, White Plains, New York 10604.

 

(c)     Steel Excel is a company whose business consists primarily of capital redeployment and identification of new, profitable operations in the oilfield services, sports, training, education, entertainment and lifestyle businesses. Steel Holdings is a global diversified holding company that engages or has interests in a variety of operating businesses through its subsidiary companies.  Steel Holdings may seek to obtain majority or primary control, board representation or other significant influence over the businesses in which it holds an interest.  The principal business of SPHG Holdings is holding securities for the account of Steel Holdings.  The principal business of SPHG is serving as the sole member of SPHG Holdings and other affiliates.  The principal business of Steel Holdings GP is serving as the general partner of Steel Holdings, the managing member of SPHG and the manager of SPHG Holdings.

 

 
 
 

  

(d)     No Reporting Person nor any person listed on Schedule A has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

 

(e)     No Reporting Person nor any person listed on Schedule A has, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

 

(f)      Each of the entities who are Reporting Persons are organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the individuals who are listed on Schedule A other than Gary W. Ullman are citizens of the United States of America. Gary W. Ullman is a citizen of Canada.

 

Item 3.         Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

 

The aggregate purchase price of the 3,229,894 Shares owned directly by Steel Excel is approximately $5,433,333, including brokerage commissions. The Shares owned directly by Steel Excel were acquired with the working capital of Steel Excel.

 

Item 4.         Purpose of Transaction.

 

The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.  Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase or decrease their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase or sale of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.

 

No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur upon or in connection with completion of, or following, any of the actions discussed herein.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis.  Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, engaging in communications with management and the board of directors of the Issuer, engaging in discussions with stockholders of the Issuer and others about the Issuer and the Reporting Persons’ investment, including in connection with making recommendations or proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization, corporate structure, ownership structure, board structure (including board composition) or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares, or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.

 

Item 5.        Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

 

(a)     The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 62,149,780 Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as of April 30, 2014, as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2014.

 

 
 
 

  

As of the close of business on July 23, 2014, Steel Excel owned directly 3,229,894 Shares, constituting approximately 5.2% of the Shares outstanding. By virtue of their relationships with Steel Excel discussed in further detail in Item 2, each of SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the Shares owned directly by Steel Excel.

 

(b)     Each of Steel Excel, SPHG Holdings, SPHG, Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the Shares owned directly by Steel Excel.

 

(c)     Schedule B annexed hereto (“Schedule B”) lists all transactions in the Shares of the Issuer during the past sixty days by the Reporting Persons.  All of such transactions were effected in the open market.

 

(d)     No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.

 

(e)     Not applicable.

 

Item 6.        Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

 

Pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k) promulgated under the Exchange Act, the Reporting Persons have entered into an agreement with respect to the joint filing of this statement, and any amendment or amendments thereto.

 

Except as set forth herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.

 

Item 7.        Material to be Filed as Exhibits. 

 

99.1

Joint Filing Agreement by and among Steel Excel Inc., Steel Partners Holdings L.P., SPH Group LLC, SPH Group Holdings LLC and Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., dated July 24, 2014.

       

 
 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

Dated:July 24, 2014

STEEL EXCEL INC.

   
 

By:

 /s/  James F. McCabe, Jr.
   

James F. McCabe, Jr., Chief Financial Officer

     
     
 

STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.

   
 

By:

Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.
General Partner

   
 

By:

 /s/  Jack L. Howard
   

Jack L. Howard, President

     
     
 

SPH GROUP LLC

   
 

By:

Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.
Managing Member

   
 

By:

 /s/  Jack L. Howard
   

Jack L. Howard, President

     
     
 

SPH GROUP HOLDINGS LLC

   
 

By:

Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.
Manager

   
 

By:

 /s/  Jack L. Howard 
   

Jack L. Howard, President

     
     
 

STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS GP INC.

   
 

By:

 /s/  Jack L. Howard 
   

Jack L. Howard, President

    

 
 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

Executive Officers and Directors of Steel Excel Inc.

 

Name and Position

  

Present Principal Occupation

  

Business Address

         

Warren G. Lichtenstein, Director

  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

Jack L. Howard, Vice Chairman, principal executive officer and Director

  

President of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company, and a principal of Mutual Securities, Inc., a registered broker dealer

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

John J. Quicke, Director

  

Managing Director and operating partner of Steel Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

Gary W. Ullman, Director

  

Chief Executive Officer of Connies Naturals, a corporation that delivers pre-made food products to sports stadiums, theme parks and the military

  

420 Woodland Acres, Maple,

Ontario, Canada L6A1G2

         

John Mutch, Director

  

President and Chief Executive Officer of BeyondTrust Software, a privately held security software company

 

c/o Beyond Trust

2173 Salk Avenue

Carlsbad, CA 92008

         

Robert J. Valentine, Director

  

Sports commentator and owner of Bobby V’s Sports Gallery Café

  

225 Main Street

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

         

James F. McCabe, Jr., Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

  

Chief Financial Officer of Steel Excel Inc., Handy & Harman Ltd. and Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. President of SP Corporate Services LLC.

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

Leonard J. McGill, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

  

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary of Handy & Harman Ltd.

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

 

 
 
 

   

Executive Officers and Directors of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc.

 

Name and Position

  

Present Principal Occupation

  

Business Address

         

Warren G. Lichtenstein, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

Jack L. Howard, President and Director

  

President of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company, and a principal of Mutual Securities, Inc., a registered broker dealer

  

c/o Steel Partners LLC
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

James F. McCabe, Jr.,
Chief Financial Officer

  

Chief Financial Officer of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company

  

c/o Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

         

Anthony Bergamo, Director

  

Vice Chairman of MB Real Estate, a property management company

  

c/o MB Real Estate
335 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10017

         

John P. McNiff, Director

  

Partner of Mera Capital Management LP, a private investment partnership

  

c/o Mera Capital Management LP
161 Washington Street, Suite 1560
Conshohocken, PA 19428

         

Joseph L. Mullen, Director

  

Managing Partner of Li Moran International, Inc., a management consulting company

  

c/o Li Moran International
611 Broadway, Suite 722
New York, NY 10012

         

General Richard I. Neal, Director

  

President of Sisvel US, Inc. and Audio MPEG, Inc., licensors of intellectual property

  

c/o Sisvel US, Inc.
66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 750
Alexandria, VA 22314

         

Allan R. Tessler, Director

  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of International Financial Group, Inc., an international merchant banking firm

  

c/o International Financial Group, Inc.
2500 North Moose Wilson Road
Wilson, WY 83014

         

Leonard J. McGill, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

  

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a global diversified holding company

  

c/o Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

 

 
 
 

  

SCHEDULE B

 

Transactions in the Shares of the Issuer During the Past 60 Days

 

Class of
Security

Securities
Purchased

Price ($)

Date of
Purchase

 

STEEL EXCEL INC.

 

Common Stock

130,000

  

1.0500

5/20/2014

         

Common Stock

370,000

  

1.1600

5/21/2014

         

Common Stock

102,800

  

1.0983

5/22/2014

         

Common Stock

28,604

  

1.1100

5/23/2014

         

Common Stock

1,100

  

1.0500

6/2/2014

         

Common Stock

103,800

  

1.0680

6/3/2014

         

Common Stock

41,998

  

1.1792

6/13/2014

         

Common Stock

44,268

  

1.1790

6/16/2014

         

Common Stock

300

  

1.1800

6/17/2014

         

Common Stock

15,100

  

1.1800

6/24/2014

         

Common Stock

63,727

  

1.1740

6/25/2014

         

Common Stock

55,177

  

1.1688

6/26/2014

         

Common Stock

21,628

  

1.1750

6/27/2014

         

Common Stock

47,682

  

1.1740

7/8/2014

         

Common Stock

11,800

  

1.1792

7/9/2014

         

Common Stock

33,700

  

1.1741

7/10/2014

         

Common Stock

19,006

  

1.1937

7/11/2014

         

Common Stock

14,582

  

1.1985

7/14/2014

         

Common Stock

43,670

  

1.1953

7/15/2014

         

Common Stock

50,650

  

1.2300

7/17/2014

         

Common Stock

5,500

  

1.2283

7/18/2014

         

Common Stock

8,702

  

1.2234

7/21/2014

         

Common Stock

15,600

  

1.2283

7/22/2014

         

Common Stock

500

  

1.2300

7/23/2014