SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION
Proxy Statement
Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ____)
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Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive
Proxy Statement |
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Definitive
Additional Materials |
[X] |
Soliciting
Material under Rule 14a-12 |
BANCORP RHODE
ISLAND, INC.
(Name of Registrant as
Specified in its Charter)
Financial Edge Fund,
L.P.
PL Capital, LLC
Goodbody/PL Capital, LLC
Financial
Edge-Strategic Fund, L.P.
PL Capital/Focused
Fund, L.P.
PL Capital Offshore,
Ltd.
Goodbody/PL Capital, L.P.
PL Capital Advisors, LLC
Richard J. Lashley
John W.
Palmer
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
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appropriate box):
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computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Filed by PL Capital
Group
On
January 25, 2007, PL Capital Group issued a press release reporting on its
attendance at the quarterly conference call of Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. and Bancorp Rhode Islands refusal to allow questions
from PL Capital Group principal John W. Palmer.
BANCORP RHODE ISLAND
REFUSES TO ALLOW LARGEST OUTSIDE SHAREHOLDER TO ASK
QUESTIONS ON Q4 CONFERENCE CALL
Naperville, IL January 25, 2007 PR
Newswire/ On January 25, 2007, PL Capital Group principal John W. Palmer attended
the Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. (NASDAQ: BARI) quarterly earnings conference call. Mr.
Palmer attempted to ask constructive questions about the poor quarterly and year to date
operating results during the call. However, Bancorp Rhode Island did not allow him to ask
questions.
In Bancorp Rhode Islands press
release of January 24th, Chairman Malcolm Chace was quoted as saying Our
Board of Directors is always interested in the views of its Shareholders.
Mr. Palmer noted, There
is a disconnect between what the company says in its press releases and how it
acts in fact. As an 8.0% owner of the company, I believe we are entitled to
make inquires just like any other shareholder.
PL Capital Group principal Richard J.
Lashley added, The companys operating results speak for themselves and Bancorp
Rhode Island appears unwilling to defend its results to its shareholders. Mr.
Lashley noted that for the year revenues were down 1.8% while expenses were up over
6% resulting in negative operating leverage, an increased efficiency ratio and decreased
earnings per share.
Mr. Lashley further
commented that I guess Bancorp Rhode Island did not follow the recent
Home Depot debacle, where Home Depot refused to have a dialog with its
shareholders, which resulted in the ouster of Home Depots CEO.
Mr. Palmer further stated
that the Bancorp Rhode Island results and actions validate our decision
to run for two board seats at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders. We look
forward to becoming members of the Board of Directors so that we can advocate
for improved financial performance and corporate governance at Bancorp Rhode
Island.
This press release does not
constitute a solicitation of proxies for any meeting of Bancorp Rhode Islands
stockholders. Stockholders are urged to read PL Capital Groups definitive proxy
statement when it becomes available because it will contain important information about
the solicitation. Shareholders may obtain a free copy of the definitive proxy
statement (when available), and any other relevant documents filed by PL Capital Group,
from (1) the SECs web site at www.sec.gov or (2) PL Capital Group. PL Capital Group
consists of the following persons who will be participants in the solicitation: PL
Capital, LLC; Goodbody/PL Capital, LLC; Financial Edge Fund, L.P.; Financial
Edge-Strategic Fund, L.P.; PL Capital/Focused Fund, L.P.; PL Capital Offshore, Ltd.;
Goodbody/PL Capital, L.P.; PL Capital Advisors, LLC; Richard J. Lashley; and John W.
Palmer. Information regarding the participants and their direct or indirect interests
in the solicitation will be contained in the definitive proxy statement to be filed by PL
Capital Group with the SEC.
Contact: |
John
W. Palmer 630-848-1340 palmersail@aol.com |