More excerpts from the filing. I think the company is obligated to make sure the proxy is mailed and made available. I do not know whether it is possible for Brokerages to just return proxies to the company if they cannot be mailed for some reason and then the company could count those as proxies returned with no specification made therefore count them as yes. The bold part below says "properly executed proxy card" which opens the question whether a proxy card returned to the company by the brokerage without being sent to the actual shareholder constitutes a "properly executed proxy card". I would doubt the validity of such proxy card, but don't know fir sure. Maybe somebody else knows... But that's a good point to follow up on.
>>The accompanying proxy card is designed to permit each Shareholder to vote FOR, AGAINST, or ABSTAIN from voting on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement and to authorize the persons serving as proxies to vote in their discretion with respect to any other proposal properly presented at the Special Meeting. When a Shareholder’s properly executed proxy card specifies a choice with respect to a voting matter, the shares will be voted accordingly. If no specifications are made, the proxy will be voted FOR the proposals described in this Proxy Statement and at the discretion of the persons serving as proxies with respect to any other proposal properly presented at the Special Meeting.<<
>>In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, officers and directors of the Company may solicit the return of proxies by personal interview, mail, telephone, and facsimile. These persons will not receive additional compensation for their services, but will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries will be requested by the Company to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares[/]. The Company will bear the costs of solicitation.<<
