-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, QFZOlE5Sf//VypEKYYcRUs08EnT+WdibDUWg4w1OwcR/4tZNOY+U6EVRRH5Rjlh8 WNV6Ud5kJgjtP/yHogLNPg== 0001359824-10-000037.txt : 20100902 0001359824-10-000037.hdr.sgml : 20100902 20100902165351 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001359824-10-000037 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100902 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100902 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HOT TOPIC INC /CA/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001017712 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-APPAREL & ACCESSORY STORES [5600] IRS NUMBER: 770198182 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-48895 FILM NUMBER: 101055494 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 18305 EAST SAN JOSE AVENUE CITY: CITY OF INDUSTRY STATE: CA ZIP: 91748 BUSINESS PHONE: 6268394681 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 18305 EAST SAN JOSE AVENUE CITY: CITY OF INDUSTRY STATE: CA ZIP: 91768 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Becker Drapkin Management, L.P. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001346543 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 CRESCENT COURT STREET 2: SUITE 1111 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 BUSINESS PHONE: (214) 756-6037 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 300 CRESCENT COURT STREET 2: SUITE 1111 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: SRB Management, L.P. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20051209 SC 13D 1 schedule13d.htm HOT TOPIC SCHEDULE 13D FILING schedule13d.htm
 
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

HOT TOPIC, INC.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock

(Title of Class of Securities)

441339108


(CUSIP Number)

Becker Drapkin Management, L.P.
Attn:  Steven R. Becker
Attn:  Matthew A. Drapkin
300 Crescent Court
Suite 1111
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 756-6016

With a copy to:

Richard J. Birns, Esq.
Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP
575 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 446-2300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)


August 23, 2010

(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box: o

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits.  See Rule 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
 
 
 
 

 
SCHEDULE 13D
 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
OO
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Texas
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
725,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
1,540,949
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
725,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,540,949
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
2,265,949
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IA, PN


 

 
 

 
 

 

 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
Becker Drapkin Partners (QP), L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Texas
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
701,852
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
0
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
701,852
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
701,852
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.6%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
Becker Drapkin Partners, L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Texas
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
86,744
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
0
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
86,744
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
86,744
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0.2%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN

 
 
 
 

 

 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON.
 
BD Partners I, L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
WC
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Texas
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
752,353
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
0
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
752,353
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
752,353
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
PN
 
 

 
 
 

 

CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
BC Advisors, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
OO
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
Texas
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
2,265,949
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
2,265,949
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
2,265,949
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IA, OO
 
 

 
 
 

 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
Steven R. Becker
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP  (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
OO
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
United States
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
2,265,949
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
2,265,949
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
2,265,949
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IN
 
 

 
 
 

 
CUSIP No. 441339108
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON / I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
 
Matthew A. Drapkin
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (a) þ (b) ¨
 
 
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS (See Instructions)
 
OO
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) o
 
 
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
United States
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
0
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
2,265,949
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
0
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
2,265,949
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
2,265,949
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) o
 
 
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)
 
IN






 
 

 



On August 24, 2010, certain of the Reporting Persons (as defined in Item 2) entered into a Group Agreement (the “Group Agreement”) with the Carlson Parties (as defined in Item 5).  The Group Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated herein by reference.  As a result of entering into the Group Agreement, the Reporting Persons and the Carlson Parties may be deemed to be a “group” pursuant to Rule 13d−5(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The security interests reported in this statement on Schedule 13D (this “Statement”) do not include security interests owned by the Carlson Parties.  The Carlson Parties are filing a separate statement on Schedule 13D to report their beneficial ownership of the Common Stock (the “Common St ock”) of Hot Topic, Inc., a California corporation (the “Issuer”).  This Statement only reports information on the Reporting Persons identified in Item 2 of this Statement and does not report any acquisition or disposition of Common Stock by the Carlson Parties.

Item 1.
Security and the Issuer
 
 
This Statement relates to the Common Stock of the Issuer.  The principal executive offices of the Issuer are located at 18305 East San Jose Ave., City of Industry, California 91748.
 
Item 2.
Identity and Background
 
 
(a) This Statement is filed jointly on behalf of the following persons (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”):  Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“BD Management”); Becker Drapkin Partners (QP), L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“Becker Drapkin QP”); Becker Drapkin Partners, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“Becker Drapkin, L.P.”); BD Partners I, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (“BD Partners I”); BC Advisors, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“BCA”); Steven R. Becker (“Mr. Becker”); and Matthew A. Drapkin (“Mr. Drapkin”).  The Reporting Persons are filing this Statement jointly, and the agreement among the Reporting Persons to file jointly is attached hereto as Exhibit 2 and incorporated herein b y reference (the “Joint Filing Agreement”).
 
Prior to recent name changes, BD Management was named SRB Management, L.P.; Becker Drapkin QP was named Greenway Opportunity Fund (QP), L.P.; and Becker Drapkin, L.P. was named Greenway Opportunity Fund, L.P.
 
Becker Drapkin QP, Becker Drapkin, L.P. and BD Partners I are collectively referred to herein as the “Becker Drapkin Funds”.
 
Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin are the sole members of BCA, and BCA is the general partner of BD Management.  Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin are also limited partners of BD Management.  BD Management is the general partner of, and investment manager for, the Becker Drapkin Funds and a separate managed account on behalf of an investment advisory client (the “Managed Account”).
 
(b) The business address of each Reporting Person is 300 Crescent Court, Suite 1111, Dallas, Texas 75201.
 
(c) The present principal occupation of each of Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin is serving as the co-managing member of BCA.  The principal business of BCA is serving as the general partner of BD Management.  The principal business of BD Management is serving as the general partner of, and investment manager for, the Becker Drapkin Funds and other limited partnerships and managed accounts.  The principal business of each of the Becker Drapkin Funds is acquiring and holding an interest in the Issuer and other securities.
 
(d) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
 
(e) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which such Reporting Person was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
 
(f) Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin are citizens of the United States of America.  The place of organization of all other Reporting Persons is listed in paragraph (a) of this Item 2.  
 
Item 3.
Source and Amount of Funds or other Consideration
 
 
The Reporting Persons expended an aggregate of approximately $13,187,259.39 (including commissions) to purchase 2,265,949 shares of Common Stock.  Funds used to purchase reported securities held in the accounts of the Becker Drapkin Funds have come from working capital of the Becker Drapkin Funds, which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business.  Funds used to purchase reported securities held by the Managed Account have come from the funds of the Managed Account.
 
Item 4.
Purpose of Transaction
 
 
(a)-(j)      The Reporting Persons originally purchased Common Stock based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the shares of Common Stock, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis and in connection therewith, intend to discuss with the Issuer ways in which such undervaluation can be rectified.  The Reporting Persons also intend to engage the Issuer in discussions regarding the assets, business, strategy, capitalization, financial condition and/or operations of the Issuer.
 
Subject to applicable law and regulations, and depending upon certain factors, including without limitation, general market and investment conditions, the financial performance and strategic direction of the Issuer, and the availability of shares of Common Stock at prices that would make the purchase of shares of Common Stock desirable, the Reporting Persons may, among other things, increase their position in the Issuer through the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons deem advisable.  The Reporting Persons reserve the right in the future to take such actions with respect to their investments in the Issuer as they deem appropriate, including, without limitation, selling some of the shares of Common Stock, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transactions with respect to the Common Stock.
 
In addition, based on the above discussions with the Issuer and subject to the factors described above, the Reporting Persons may nominate or recommend candidates to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”), have discussions with other stockholders and potential nominees to the Board, make proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the strategy, capitalization, ownership structure, operations, or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Issuer, or change their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in this Item 4.

Pursuant to the Group Agreement, the Reporting Persons party thereto have agreed to coordinate their actions with the Carlson Parties with respect to certain of the foregoing actions and may be deemed to have formed a "group" pursuant to Rule 13d5(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) – (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur upon completion of any of the actions discussed herein. 
 
Item 5.
Interest in Securities of the Issuer
 
 
(a), (b) The Reporting Persons may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate 2,265,949 shares of Common Stock.  Based upon a total of 44,579,427 outstanding shares of Common Stock, as reported in the Issuer’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending July 31, 2010, the Reporting Persons’ shares represent approximately 5.083% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
On August 24, 2010, Double Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Carlson Capital, L.P.; Asgard Investment Corp.; and Clint D. Carlson (collectively, the “Carlson Parties”) entered into the Group Agreement with BD Management; BCA; Mr. Becker; and Mr. Drapkin (collectively with the Carlson Parties and the other Reporting Persons, the “Group”).  As a result of the Group Agreement, the Reporting Persons and the Carlson Parties may be deemed to be a “group” pursuant to Rule 13d−5(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Collectively, the Group may be deemed to beneficially own 4,030,749 shares of Common Stock which represent approximately 9.042% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.  The Reporting Persons each disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by any Carlson Party.
 
Becker Drapkin QP owns 701,852 shares of Common Stock (the “Becker Drapkin QP Shares”), which represent approximately 1.574% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
Becker Drapkin, L.P. owns 86,744 shares of Common Stock (the “Becker Drapkin, L.P. Shares”), which represent approximately 0.195% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
BD Partners I owns 752,353 shares of Common Stock (the “BD Partners I Shares”), which represent approximately 1.688% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
The Becker Drapkin QP Shares, Becker Drapkin, L.P. Shares and BD Partners I Shares are collectively referred to herein as the “Becker Drapkin Funds Shares”.
 
Becker Drapkin QP has the power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Becker Drapkin QP Shares.  Becker Drapkin QP disclaims beneficial ownership of the Becker Drapkin, L.P. Shares and BD Partners I Shares.
 
Becker Drapkin, L.P. has the power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Becker Drapkin, L.P. Shares.  Becker Drapkin, L.P. disclaims beneficial ownership of the Becker Drapkin QP Shares and BD Partners I Shares.
 
BD Partners I has the power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the BD Partners I Shares.  BD Partners I disclaims beneficial ownership of the Becker Drapkin QP Shares and Becker Drapkin, L.P. Shares.
 
As general partner of the Becker Drapkin Funds, BD Management may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Becker Drapkin Funds Shares.  BD Management in its capacity as investment manager for the Managed Account has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of (and to dispose or direct the disposition of) 725,000 shares held by the Managed Account (the “Managed Account Shares”), which represent approximately 1.626% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.  BD Management disclaims beneficial ownership of the Becker Drapkin Funds Shares.
 
As general partner of BD Management, BCA may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by BD Management.  BCA does not own any shares of Common Stock directly and disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by BD Management.
 
As co-managing members of BCA, each of Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by BCA.  Mr. Becker and Mr. Drapkin each disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by BCA.
 
As of the date hereof, no Reporting Person owns any shares of Common Stock other than those set forth in this Item 5.
 
(c) The trading dates, number of shares of Common Stock purchased or sold, and the price per share of Common Stock for all other transactions by the Reporting Persons in shares of Common Stock within the last 60 days, all of which were brokered transactions, are set forth below.
 

Name of Reporting Person
Date
Number of Shares Purchased (Sold)
Average Price per Share
Becker Drapkin, L.P.
7/9/2010
2,200
$5.1775
Becker Drapkin QP
7/9/2010
17,800
$5.1775
BD Partners I
8/19/2010
100,000
$4.8196
BD Partners I
8/19/2010
54,600
$4.8287
BD Partners I
8/19/2010
100,000
$4.8349
BD Partners I
8/19/2010
100,000
$4.8446
BD Partners I
8/19/2010
292,000
$4.8996
BD Partners I
8/20/2010
4,400
$4.7657
BD Partners I
8/20/2010
35,000
$4.8135
BD Partners I
8/24/2010
19,353
$4.8135
BD Partners I
8/24/2010
12,000
$4.8764
BD Partners I
8/25/2010
10,000
$5.0100
BD Partners I
8/30/2010
25,000
$5.0260


 
(d) No person other than the Reporting Persons, and the Managed Account with respect to the Managed Account Shares, has the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the shares of Common Stock set forth above.
 
(e) Not applicable.
 
Item 6.
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer
 
 
On August 24, 2010, the Carlson Parties and certain of the Reporting Persons entered into the Group Agreement pursuant to which they agreed, among other things, to (a) generally consult with each other with respect to the purchase or sale of shares of Common Stock, (b) coordinate their actions with respect to any discussions with the Issuer regarding the Issuer’s assets, business, capitalization, financial condition or operations, (c) not acquire any securities of the Issuer if as a result the Group would be deemed to have beneficial ownership of 15% or more of any class of the outstanding equity of the Issuer without the prior agreement of BD Management, or its representatives, and Carlson Capital, L.P., or its representatives and (d) share certain expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing.  Such Group Agreeme nt is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and all description thereof in this Statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Group Agreement, which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
On September 2, 2010, the Reporting Persons entered into the Joint Filing Agreement pursuant to which they agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer.  Such Joint Filing Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.
Except for the matters described herein, no Reporting Person has any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship with any person with respect to any securities of the Issuer.
 
Item 7.
Material to Be Filed as Exhibits
 
Exhibit 1
Group Agreement, dated August 24, 2010, by and among Becker Drapkin Management, L.P.;  BC Advisors, LLC; Steven R. Becker; Matthew A. Drapkin; Double Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Carlson Capital, L.P.; Asgard Investment Corp.; and Clint D. Carlson
 
Exhibit 2
Joint Filing Agreement, dated September 2, 2010, by and among Becker Drapkin Management, L.P.; Becker Drapkin Partners (QP), L.P.; Becker Drapkin Partners, L.P., BD Partners I, L.P.; BC Advisors, LLC; Steven R. Becker; and Matthew A. Drapkin
 
Exhibit 3
Power of Attorney dated July 19, 2010, signed by Steven R. Becker
 
Exhibit 4
Power of Attorney dated March 16, 2010, signed by Matthew A. Drapkin
 

 
 
 

 
SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of each of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned, severally and not jointly, certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated:           September 2, 2010

 
BECKER DRAPKIN MANAGEMENT, L.P.
   
 
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
   
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
   
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
   
 
BECKER DRAPKIN PARTNERS, (QP), L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
       
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BECKER DRAPKIN PARTNERS, L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
       
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BD PARTNERS I, L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
     
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BC ADVISORS, LLC
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
   
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
STEVEN R. BECKER
 
 
 
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
     
Name: Richard J. Birns
     
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
MATTHEW A. DRAPKIN
 
 
 
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
     
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
EX-1.HTM 2 exhibit1.htm GROUP AGREEMENT exhibit1.htm
Exhibit 1

GROUP AGREEMENT

This Group Agreement is made as of August 24, 2010 (this “Agreement”), by and among (i) Becker Drapkin Management, L.P. (“BD Management”); BC Advisors, LLC; Steven R. Becker; and Matthew A. Drapkin (together, the “BD Parties”), on the one hand, and (ii) Double Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Black Diamond Offshore Ltd.; Carlson Capital, L.P. (“Carlson Capital”); Asgard Investment Corp.; and Clint D. Carlson (together, the “Carlson Parties,” and collectively with the BD Parties, the “Group”), on the other.
 
WHEREAS, certain of the undersigned are stockholders, direct and/or beneficial, of Hot Topic, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”); and
 
WHEREAS, the members of the Group wish to enter into this Agreement pertaining to their investments in, and activities related to, the Company and its Securities (as defined below).
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, covenant and agree as follows:
 
1. The BD Parties and the Carlson Parties agree to (i) coordinate their actions with respect to any discussions with the Company regarding the Company’s assets, business, capitalization, financial condition or operations and (ii) generally consult with each other regarding all purchases and sales of Securities of the Company by their affiliates. “Securities” shall mean equity securities of the Company, options to purchase or sell equity securities of the Company, and swaps, synthetics and other derivative securities or instruments, the value of which is solely and directly related to equity securities of the Company.  Furthermore, so long as this Agreement is in effect, (i) none of the parties shall acquir e Securities of the Company if as a result the Group would be deemed to have beneficial ownership of 15% or more of any class of the outstanding equity of the Company without the prior agreement of BD Management, or its representatives, and Carlson Capital, or its representatives and (ii) each of the BD Parties and the Carlson Parties shall provide written notice to the other of (a) all of its purchases or sales of Securities of the Company; and (b) any Securities of the Company over which it acquires or disposes of beneficial ownership, no later than 24 hours after each such transaction.
 
2. Each of the BD Parties and the Carlson Parties shall pay its pro rata portion of all expenses incurred in connection with the Group’s activities based on its relative security ownership, except that each party shall be subject to its own expenses for any regulatory filings (including without limitation any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission required by Section 13(d) or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) reporting ownership of Securities.
 
3. Each member of the Group agrees that any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including without limitation any filing required by Section 13(d) or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), press release or stockholder communication proposed to be made or issued by the Group or any member of the Group in connection with the Group’s activities shall be jointly approved by the BD Parties and the Carlson Parties, as the case may be, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
 
4. The relationship of the parties hereto shall be limited to carrying on the activities of the Group in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Such relationship shall be construed and deemed to be for the sole and limited purpose of carrying on such activities as described herein.  Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any party to act as an agent for any other party, or to create a joint venture or partnership, or to constitute an indemnification.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing herein shall restrict any party’s right to purchase or sell Securities, as he/it deems appropriate, in his/its sole discretion, provided that all such sales are made in compliance w ith all applicable securities laws.  Each member of the Group retains sole discretion over acquisitions and dispositions of, and voting authority over, the Securities that such member of the Group holds or beneficially owns.
 
5. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument, which may be sufficiently evidenced by one counterpart.
 
6. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.  If any provision of this Agreement would be invalid under applicable law, then such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render it valid while most nearly preserving its original intent.  In the event of any dispute among the parties hereto arising out of the provisions of this Agreement or their investment in the Company, the parties hereto consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal and State Courts in the State of New York.
 
7. Any party hereto may terminate his/its obligations under this Agreement on 24 hours written notice to all other parties.  This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date that is 30 days after the date that no member of the Group owns any Securities of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Carlson Parties under paragraph 8 shall survive termination pursuant to this paragraph 7.
 
8. Carlson Capital agrees to pay BD Management 7% of any realized gains, net of brokerage expenses and the expenses contemplated by paragraph 2, on Securities directly held or beneficially owned by any Carlson Party and acquired prior to the termination of this Agreement.
 
9. Each of the parties hereto agrees that this Agreement shall be filed as an exhibit to a Schedule 13D filed by either Carlson Capital or BD Management.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that each shall be responsible for the timely filing of any statement (including amendments) on Schedule 13D, and for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning him or it contained therein, but shall not be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning the other persons making such filings, except to the extent that he or it knows or has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate.
 
10. This Agreement shall be binding upon any affiliated person of any of the parties hereto who becomes or may be deemed to have become the beneficial owner of any Securities, unless otherwise terminated by such affiliated person.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns, and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.  No party hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any per son without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto. This Agreement supersedes any prior written agreements among the parties.
 

 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Group Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.



 
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND OFFSHORE LTD.
 
 
 
 
By:
Carlson Capital, L.P., its investment manager
       
   
By:
Asgard Investment Corp., its general partner
     
     
By:
 /s/ Clint D. Carlson
       
Name: Clint D. Carlson
       
Title: President
     
 
BLACK DIAMOND OFFSHORE LTD.
 
 
 
 
By:
Carlson Capital, L.P., its investment manager
       
   
By:
Asgard Investment Corp., its general partner
     
     
By:
 /s/ Clint D. Carlson
       
Name: Clint D. Carlson
       
Title: President
         
 
CARLSON CAPITAL, L.P.
   
 
By:
Asgard Investment Corp., its general partner
     
   
By:
/s/ Clint D. Carlson
   
Name: Clint D. Carlson
   
Title: President
     
 
ASGARD INVESTMENT CORP.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Clint D. Carlson
   
Name: Clint D. Carlson
   
Title: President
     
 
CLINT D. CARLSON
     
   
/s/ Clint D. Carlson
 
 
 

 
BECKER DRAPKIN MANAGEMENT, L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
       
   
By:
/s/ Steven R. Becker
     
Name: Steven R. Becker
     
Title: Co-managing Member
     
 
BC ADVISORS, LLC
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Steven R. Becker
   
Name: Steven R. Becker
   
Title: Co-managing Member
     
 
STEVEN R. BECKER
     
   
/s/ Steven R. Becker
       
 
MATTHEW A. DRAPKIN
     
   
/s/ Matthew A. Drapkin
 
 
EX-2.HTM 3 exhibit2.htm JOINT FILING AGREEMENT exhibit2.htm
Exhibit 2

JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, each of the undersigned hereby agrees to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a statement on Schedule 13D (including amendments thereto) with respect to the Common Stock of Hot Topic, Inc., and that this Agreement be included as an Exhibit to such joint filing.

Each of the undersigned acknowledges that each shall be responsible for the timely filing of any statement (including amendments) on Schedule 13D, and for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning him or it contained herein, but shall not be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning the other persons making such filings, except to the extent that he or it knows or has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate.

Dated: September 2, 2010

 
BECKER DRAPKIN MANAGEMENT, L.P.
   
 
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
   
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
   
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
   
 
BECKER DRAPKIN PARTNERS, (QP), L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
       
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BECKER DRAPKIN PARTNERS, L.P.
 
 
 
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
       
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BD PARTNERS I, L.P.
     
 
By:
Becker Drapkin Management, L.P., its general partner
     
   
By:
BC Advisors, LLC, its general partner
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
       
Name: Richard J. Birns
       
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
BC ADVISORS, LLC
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
   
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
STEVEN R. BECKER
 
 
 
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
     
Name: Richard J. Birns
     
Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
 
MATTHEW A. DRAPKIN
 
 
 
   
By:
/s/ Richard J. Birns
     
Name: Richard J. Birns
   
Title: Attorney-in-Fact

EX-99.16 PWR OF ATTY 4 exhibit3.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY exhibit3.htm
Exhibit 3

Power of Attorney

July 19, 2010

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549

This letter confirms that each and any of Richard J. Birns, Andrew S. McLelland, and Michael S. Grisolia is authorized and designated to sign all securities related filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 3, 4 and 5, on my behalf and on behalf of each entity for which I may sign such filings.  This authorization and designation shall be valid until either revoked in writing by the undersigned or until three years from the date of this letter.


Very truly yours,


/s/ Steven R. Becker 
Steven R. Becker

EX-99.16 PWR OF ATTY 5 exhibit4.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY exhibit4.htm
Exhibit 4

Power of Attorney

March 16, 2010

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549

This letter confirms that each and any of Richard J. Birns, Andrew S. McLelland, and Michael S. Grisolia is authorized and designated to sign all securities related filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 3, 4 and 5, on my behalf and on behalf of each entity for which I may sign such filings.  This authorization and designation shall be valid until either revoked in writing by the undersigned or until three years from the date of this letter.


Very truly yours,


/s/ Matthew A. Drapkin                                                      
Matthew A. Drapkin
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