Emerson Poynter LLP Announces an Investigation on Behalf of Black & Decker Shareholders Concerning the Proposed Merger With Stanley Works

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 4, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Emerson Poynter LLP announces that it has begun an investigation into claims that the Board of Directors of Black and Decker Corporation (NYSE:BDK) may have violated their fiduciary duty in connection with their attempt to sell the company to Stanley Works (NYSE:SWK).

Emerson Poynter's investigation involves whether Black and Decker's Board of Directors have breached their fiduciary duty to maximize shareholder value and to act in the best interest of the shareholders. The investigation concerns the price to be paid by Stanley to Black and Decker shareholder and the process by which Black & Decker's Board of Directors is addressing the transaction. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Black & Decker shareholders will hold a 49.5% stake after the all-stock deal is complete and Stanley shareholders will hold about 50.5%. Stanley will pay 1.275 shares per Black & Decker share, or $57.56 as of Monday's close. The proposed transaction is a 22% premium for Black & Decker shareholders and according to Black & Decker officials; this all stock transaction is valued at $4.5 billion. However, preliminary investigation results indicate that this deal may be unfair to Black & Decker shareholders as a review of the company financials suggest that Black & Decker stock should be valued higher than it is under this present agreement.

If you own shares of Black & Decker Corporation, please contact Emerson Poynter LLP concerning your rights as a shareholder.

Emerson Poynter LLP is a national law firm with offices in Houston, TX and Little Rock, AR. Emerson Poynter handles complex commercial litigation with a concentration in those cases that involve violations of federal and state securities or antitrust laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), and consumer protection laws. It has substantial experience in litigating large class-action cases and serves in a leadership position in numerous cases but represents investors and shareholders all over the nation.

CONTACT:  Emerson Poynter LLP
          John G. Emerson, Esq
          Scott E. Poynter, Esq
          501.907.2555
          Fax: 501.907.2556
          800.663.9817
          epllp@emersonpoynter.com
          www.emersonpoynter.com
          500 President Clinton Ave, Suite 305
          Little Rock, AR 72201