Barnwell Industries holders reject Ned Sherwood’s attempt to control company

Barnwell Industries (BRN) announced that, based on preliminary results from the company’s proxy solicitor, Barnwell shareholders have rejected the attempt by Ned Sherwood and certain of his affiliates to remove and replace the entire Barnwell Board of Directors. While preliminary results indicate that shareholders consented to remove directors Alexander Kinzler and former Sherwood Group nominee Douglas Woodrum, and to elect Sherwood Group nominee Heather Isidoro, the Sherwood Group failed to elect a majority of the Board. Importantly, Barnwell Directors Ken Grossman and Joshua Horowitz will continue to serve, ensuring continuity and independent oversight on behalf of all shareholders. Barnwell shareholders also consented to the Sherwood Group’s separate proposal to repeal the previous amendment to the Company’s bylaws, which went into effect on February 4, 2025. As this outcome reflects, shareholders not only rejected Mr. Sherwood’s attempt to seize control of the Company, but also supported the Sherwood Group’s campaign to remove Douglas Woodrum – who received more consents for removal than any other director, and who notably is a director Mr. Sherwood himself previously backed during the 2020 proxy contest and again in the 2023 Cooperation Agreement. The result underscores the lack of consistency, credibility, and shareholder support behind Mr. Sherwood’s campaign. The Company is awaiting the Delaware Court of Chancery’s decision on the pending lawsuit related to the validity of the Sherwood Group’s nomination notice, which purported to nominate directors (consisting of a majority of individuals distinct from those nominees who appeared in the Sherwood Group’s consent solicitation) to stand for election at Barnwell’s upcoming 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Barnwell earlier notified the Sherwood Group that the Company determined that the Sherwood Group’s purported nomination notice failed to comply with applicable bylaws in numerous ways, and had decided to reject the Sherwood Group’s nomination notice. The Company intends to supplement its proxy materials for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders following receipt of the Court’s decision. Alexander Kinzler, Executive Chairman of the Board, former CEO and approximately 9.5% shareholder of the Company, commented, “While I am disappointed with the results of the consent solicitation, in the interest of good governance, I have advised the Board that if I am elected at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting, I will step down as a director on or prior to December 31, 2025.” Mr. Kinzler continued, “During such period, I will work with the Board to help the Company identify and select a successor Chief Financial Officer, transition the Company’s headquarters from Honolulu to Calgary and ensure management and the Board have sufficient background and information to transition oversight of the Company’s complex real estate investments in Hawaii.” In addition, Mr. Kinzler advised the Board that he is prepared to resign from all formal positions with the Company at an earlier time to facilitate a reasonable settlement with the Sherwood Group if one could be reached. As previously stated, Barnwell remains open to engaging in constructive, good-faith settlement discussions with the Sherwood Group in pursuit of a resolution that represents the best interests of the Company and all shareholders. The Company believes that these governance matters should be resolved collaboratively and thoughtfully, wherever possible, to avoid unnecessary distraction and preserve focus on long-term value creation by developing its Canadian energy assets.