Williams Commences Litigation Against EnergyTransfer Equity And Kelcy Warren

(RTTNews) - Williams Companies Inc. (WMB) said that it has commenced litigation against EnergyTransfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) and Kelcy Warren in response to the private offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Units that ETE disclosed on March 9, 2016.

The litigation against ETE in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeks to unwind the private offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Units. The litigation against Kelcy Warren in the district court of Dallas County, Texas, is for tortious, or wrongful, interference with the merger agreement executed on September 28, 2015 as a result of the private offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Units.

Williams noted that its Board is unanimously committed to enforcing its rights under the merger agreement entered into with ETE on September 28, 2015 and to delivering the benefits of the merger agreement to Williams' stockholders. ETE has no basis to avoid its obligations under the merger agreement.

Williams has reviewed ETE's private offering of convertible preferred units and concluded it is a breach of the merger agreement. Among other things, the offering provides select ETE investors with preferential treatment on ETE distributions.

Williams has commenced litigation to protect the interests of its stockholders. The litigation is intended to ensure that Williams' stockholders will receive the consideration to which they are entitled under the merger agreement.

Williams said it remains committed to working with ETE to ensure the financial strength of the combined company, provided that all ETE and Williams investors are treated fairly and equitably. Williams looks forward to completing the transaction and delivering its benefits to the Company's stockholders.

Williams stated that its board has not changed its recommendation "FOR" the merger agreement executed on September 28, 2015. In addition to the receipt of Williams' stockholder approval, the transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions. Integration planning is underway. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.