0001415889-14-002542.txt : 20140818 0001415889-14-002542.hdr.sgml : 20140818 20140818090039 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001415889-14-002542 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20140818 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20140818 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SWS GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000878520 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES [6211] IRS NUMBER: 752040825 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-41940 FILM NUMBER: 141047967 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 3500 STREET 2: 1201 ELM STREET CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75270 BUSINESS PHONE: 2146511800 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: SUITE 3500 STREET 2: 1201 ELM STREET CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75270 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: SOUTHWEST SECURITIES GROUP INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Lone Star Value Management LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001589350 IRS NUMBER: 462567817 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CT FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 53 FOREST AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR CITY: OLD GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06870 BUSINESS PHONE: (203) 542-0235 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 53 FOREST AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR CITY: OLD GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06870 SC 13D 1 sc13d09482004_08152014.htm SCHEDULE 13D sc13d09482004_08152014.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-2(a)

(Amendment No.  )1

SWS Group, Inc.
(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)

78503N107
(CUSIP Number)
 
JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN
LONE STAR VALUE MANAGEMENT, LLC
53 Forest Avenue, 1st Floor
Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870
(203) 489-9500

STEVE WOLOSKY
OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP
Park Avenue Tower
65 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 451-2300
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

August 15, 2014
(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 ¨.

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


_______________
1              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).
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
1,311,801
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,311,801
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,311,801
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
4.0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
2

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
LONE STAR VALUE CO-INVEST II, LP
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
513,199
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
513,199
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
513,199
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.6%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
3

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS GP, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
1,825,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,825,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,825,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.5%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
4

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
LONE STAR VALUE MANAGEMENT, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
CONNECTICUT
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
1,311,801
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,311,801
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,311,801
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
4.0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
5

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
AF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
1,825,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
1,825,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
1,825,000
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
5.5%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
6

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
ALAN L. BAZAAR
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
7

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
HANNAH M. BIBLE
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
8

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
JOHN M. CLIMACO
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
9

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
RICHARD K. COLEMAN, JR.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
PF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
250
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
250
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
250
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
Less than 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
10

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
WILLIAM DEROSA
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
11

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
KYLE HARTLEY
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
12

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
KEVIN RENDINO
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
13

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
DILIP SINGH
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
 
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
14

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).
 
Item 1.
Security and Issuer.
 
This statement relates to the common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the “Shares”), of SWS Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 1201 Elm Street, Suite 3500, Dallas, Texas 75270.
 
Item 2.
Identity and Background.
 
(a)           This statement is filed by:
 
(i)         Lone Star Value Investors, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lone Star Value Investors”);
 
(ii)        Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lone Star Value Co-Invest II”);
 
(iii)       Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Lone Star Value GP”), which serves as the general partner of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II;
 
(iv)       Lone Star Value Management, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company (“Lone Star Value Management”), which serves as the investment manager of Lone Star Value Investors;
 
(v)        Jeffrey E. Eberwein, who serves as the manager of Lone Star Value GP and sole member of Lone Star Value Management;
 
(vi)       Alan L. Bazaar;
 
(vii)      Hannah M. Bible;
 
(viii)     John M. Climaco;
 
(ix)       Richard K. Coleman, Jr.;
 
(x)        William DeRosa;
 
(xi)       Kyle Hartley;
 
(xii)      Kevin Rendino; and
 
(xiii)     Dilip Singh.
 
Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.” Each of the Reporting Persons is party to that certain Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement, as further described in Item 6.  Accordingly, the Reporting Persons are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.
 
 
15

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
(b)           The address of the principal office of each of Lone Star Value Investors, Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, Lone Star Value GP, Lone Star Value Management, Messrs. Eberwein, DeRosa and Hartley and Ms. Bible is 53 Forest Avenue, 1st Floor, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870. The address of the principal office of Mr. Bazaar is 420 Lexington Ave., Suite 2840, New York, NY 10170. The address of the principal office of Mr. Climaco is PO Box 326, Park City, UT 84060. The address of the principal office of Mr. Coleman is 11000 North MoPac Expressway, Suite 150, Austin, Texas 78759. The address of the principal office of Mr. Rendino is c/o RGJ Capital, LLC, 363 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 1A, Montclair, NJ 07042. The address of the principal office of Mr. Singh is 333 NE 21st Avenue, Unit 1110, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441.
 
(c)           The principal business of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Co-Invest II is investing in securities. The principal business of Lone Star Value GP is serving as the general partner of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II. The principal business of Lone Star Value Management is serving as the investment manager of Lone Star Value Investors. The principal occupation of Mr. Eberwein is serving as the manager of Lone Star Value GP and the sole member of Lone Star Value Management. The principal occupation of Mr. Bazaar is serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Hollow Brook Wealth Management LLC. The principal occupation of Ms. Bible is serving as the Director of Operations and Chief Compliance Officer of Lone Star Value Management. The principal occupation of Mr. Climaco is serving as a consultant. The principal occupation of Mr. Coleman is serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crossroads Systems, Inc.  The principal occupation of Mr. DeRosa is serving as the Director of Research at Lone Star Value Management. The principal occupation of Mr. Hartley is serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Lone Star Value Management. The principal occupation of Mr. Rendino is serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of RGJ Capital, LLC. The principal occupation of Mr. Singh is serving as the as the Manager of Value Generation Capital, LLC.
 
(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 party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding 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)           Messrs. Bazaar, Climaco, Coleman, DeRosa, Eberwein, Hartley, Rendino and Singh and Ms. Bible are citizens of the United States of America.
 
Item 3.
Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
 
The Shares purchased by each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II were purchased with working capital (which may, at any given time, include margin loans made by brokerage firms in the ordinary course of business) in open market purchases, except as otherwise noted, as set forth in Schedule A, which is incorporated by reference herein.  The aggregate purchase price of the 1,311,801 Shares beneficially owned by Lone Star Value Investors is approximately $9,835,040, including brokerage commissions.  The aggregate purchase price of the 513,199 Shares beneficially owned by Lone Star Value Co-Invest II is approximately $3,709,422, including brokerage commissions.
 
The Shares directly owned by Mr. Coleman were purchased with personal funds in open market transactions. The aggregate purchase price of the 250 Shares directly owned by Mr. Coleman is approximately $1,800, excluding brokerage commissions.
 
 
16

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
Item 4.
Purpose of Transaction.
 
The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.  Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase or decrease their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase or sale of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.
 
The Reporting Persons have engaged in public and private communications with the management and the Board of the Issuer regarding the Issuer’s business and prospects, strategic alternatives available to the Issuer and the proposed merger between the Issuer and Hilltop Holdings Inc. ("Hilltop"), which in the Reporting Persons’ view deeply undervalues the Issuer.  The Reporting Persons have reserved their rights to take any and all actions necessary in their view to protect stockholders’ interests, including exercising appraisal rights under Delaware law.
 
On August 15, 2014, Lone Star Value Investors delivered a letter to the Issuer nominating Alan L. Bazaar, Hannah M. Bible, John M. Climaco, Richard K. Coleman, Jr., William DeRosa, Jeffrey E. Eberwein, Kyle Hartley, Kevin Rendino and Dilip Singh (the “Nominees”) for election to the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”) at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2014 Annual Meeting”). To the extent that the proposed merger with Hilltop is not consummated for any reason, the Reporting Persons intend to seek the election of certain or all of the Nominees at the 2014 Annual Meeting to further a process for the sale of the Issuer in whole or in parts to the highest bidder.
 
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 or in connection with completion of, or following, any of the actions discussed herein.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis.  Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, continuing to engage in communications with management and the Board of the Issuer, engaging in discussions with stockholders of the Issuer and others about the Issuer and the Reporting Persons’ investment, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization, ownership structure, board structure (including board composition) or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares, or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.
 
Item 5.
Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
 
The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 33,068,118 Shares outstanding, as of May 2, 2014, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2014.
 
A.
Lone Star Value Investors
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on August 15, 2014, Lone Star Value Investors beneficially owned 1,311,801 Shares.
 
Percentage: Approximately 4.0%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 1,311,801
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 1,311,801
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
The transactions in the Shares by Lone Star Value Investors during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
17

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
B.
Lone Star Value Co-Invest II
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on August 15, 2014, Lone Star Value Co-Invest II beneficially owned 513,199 Shares.
 
Percentage: Approximately 1.6%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 513,199
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 513,199
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
The transactions in the Shares by Lone Star Value Co-Invest II during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
C.
Lone Star Value GP
 
 
(a)
Lone Star Value GP, as the general partner of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,311,801 Shares owned by Lone Star Value Investors and (ii) 513,199 Shares owned by Lone Star Value Co-Invest II.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.5%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 1,825,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 1,825,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Lone Star Value GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past 60 days. The transactions in the Shares on behalf of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
D.
Lone Star Value Management
 
 
(a)
Lone Star Value Management, as the investment manager of Lone Star Value Investors, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the 1,311,801 Shares owned by Lone Star Value Investors.
 
Percentage: Approximately 4.0%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 1,311,801
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 1,311,801
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Lone Star Value Management has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past 60 days.  The transactions in the Shares on behalf of Lone Star Value Investors during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
18

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
E.
Mr. Eberwein
 
 
(a)
Mr. Eberwein, as the manager of Lone Star Value GP and sole member of Lone Star Value Management, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 1,311,801 Shares owned by Lone Star Value Investors and (ii) 513,199 Shares owned by Lone Star Value Co-Invest II.
 
Percentage: Approximately 5.5%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 1,825,000
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 1,825,000
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Mr. Eberwein has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past 60 days. The transactions in the Shares on behalf of each of Lone Star Value Investors and Lone Star Value Co-Invest II during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
F.
Mr. Coleman
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on August 15, 2014, Mr. Coleman directly owned 250 Shares.
 
Percentage: Less than 1%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 250
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 250
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
The transactions in the Shares by Mr. Coleman during the past 60 days are set forth in Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
G.
Messrs. Bazaar, Climaco, DeRosa, Hartley, Rendino and Singh and Ms. Bible
 
 
(a)
As of the close of business on August 15, 2014, Messrs. Bazaar, Climaco, DeRosa, Hartley, Rendino and Singh and Ms. Bible did not own any Shares.
 
Percentage: 0%
 
 
(b)
1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
 
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0
 
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

 
(c)
Messrs. Bazaar, Climaco, DeRosa, Hartley, Rendino and Singh and Ms. Bible have not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past 60 days.
 
As of the close of business on August 15, 2014, the Reporting Persons collectively beneficially owned an aggregate of 1,825,250 Shares, constituting approximately 5.5% of the Shares outstanding.
 
The Reporting Persons, as members of a “group” for the purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the Shares directly owned by the other Reporting Person.  Each Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.
 
 
(d)
No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.
 
 
(e)
Not applicable.
 
 
19

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
Item 6.
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.  
 
On August 15, 2014 the Reporting Persons entered into a Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement in which, among other things, the Reporting Persons agreed (a) to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D, and any amendments thereto, with respect to the securities of the Issuer and (b) to solicit proxies for the election of the Nominees at the 2014 Annual Meeting.  The Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to letter agreements, Lone Star Value Investors and certain of its affiliates have agreed to indemnify each of Messrs. Bazaar, Climaco, Coleman, Rendino and Singh against any and all claims of any nature arising from the solicitation of proxies at the 2014 Annual Meeting and any related transactions. A form of such letter agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference herein.
 
The investors in Lone Star Value Co-Invest II have certain rights to share in any award in connection with any appraisal rights claim that the Reporting Persons may pursue under Delaware law.

Other than as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.
 
Item 7.
Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
 
 
99.1
Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement by and among Lone Star Value Investors, LP, Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, LP, Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC, Lone Star Value Management, LLC, Jeffrey E. Eberwein, Alan L. Bazaar, Hannah M. Bible, John M. Climaco, Richard K. Coleman, Jr., William DeRosa, Kyle Hartley, Kevin Rendino and Dilip Singh, dated August 15, 2014.
 
 
99.2
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
 
 
99.3
Form of Power of Attorney.
 
 
20

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107
 
SIGNATURES
 
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
 
Dated:  August 18, 2014
 
 
Lone Star Value Investors, LP
   
 
By:
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager


 
Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, LP
   
 
By:
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager


 
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
     
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager


 
Lone Star Value Management, LLC
     
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Sole Member


 
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
 
JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN
Individually and as attorney-in-fact for Alan L. Bazaar, Hannah M. Bible, John M. Climaco, Richard K. Coleman, Jr., William DeRosa, Kyle Hartley, Kevin Rendino and Dilip Singh
 
 
21

 
CUSIP NO. 78503N107

SCHEDULE A
 
Transactions in the Shares During the Past Sixty Days
 
Shares of Common Stock
Purchased/(Sold)
Price Per
Share($)
Date of
Purchase / Sale

LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP

4,842
7.2755
06/20/2014
45,158
7.2537
06/23/2014
25,000
7.2620
06/30/2014
25,000
7.2801
07/10/2014
25,000
7.2289
07/24/2014
75,000
7.1635
07/25/2014
25,000
7.1571
07/25/2014
60,100
7.2164
07/28/2014
25,000
7.2538
07/29/2014
27,000
7.2111
07/30/2014
27,894
7.1859
07/31/2014
20,006
7.1968
08/01/2014
49,000
7.1993
08/04/2014
29,500
7.0678
08/05/2014
54,000
7.1044
08/06/2014
82,500
7.1486
08/07/2014
11,801
7.1085
08/08/2014
(50,000)*
7.2650
08/12/2014
(50,000)*
7.2800
08/12/2014
(100,000)*
7.1700
08/13/2014
(100,000)*
7.2200
08/14/2014
(100,000)*
7.2600
08/15/2014


LONE STAR VALUE CO-INVEST II, LP

50,000
7.1682
08/07/2014
10,000
7.1249
08/08/2014
15,000
7.1054
08/08/2014
38,199
7.2349
08/11/2014
50,000
7.2650
08/12/2014
50,000
7.2800
08/12/2014
100,000
7.1700
08/13/2014
100,000
7.2200
08/14/2014
100,000
7.2600
08/15/2014

 
RICHARD K. COLEMAN, JR.

250
7.1999
08/14/2014



* Represents a short sale.
EX-99.1 2 ex991to13d09482004_08152014.htm JOINT FILING AND SOLICITATION AGREEMENT ex991to13d09482004_08152014.htm
Exhibit 99.1
JOINT FILING AND SOLICITATION AGREEMENT
 
WHEREAS, certain of the undersigned are stockholders, direct or beneficial, SWS Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”);
 
WHEREAS, Lone Star Value Investors, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Lone Star Value Management, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company and Jeffrey E. Eberwein (together, “Lone Star Value”), Alan L. Bazaar, Hannah M. Bible, John M. Climaco, Richard K. Coleman, Jr., William DeRosa, Kyle Hartley, Kevin Rendino and Dilip Singh wish to form a group for the purpose of seeking representation on the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (including any other meeting of stockholders held in lieu thereof, and any adjournments, postponements, reschedulings or continuations thereof, the “2014 Annual Meeting”) and for the purpose of taking all other action necessary to achieve the foregoing.
 
NOW, IT IS AGREED, this 15th day of August 2014 by the parties hereto:
 
1.           In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), each of the undersigned (collectively, the “Group”) agrees to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D, and any amendments thereto, with respect to the securities of the Company.  Each member of the Group shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of his/its own disclosure therein, and is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information concerning the other members, unless such member knows or has reason to know that such information is inaccurate.  Lone Star Value or its representative shall provide each member of the Group with copies of all Schedule 13D filings and other public filings to be filed on behalf of such member prior to the filing or submission thereof.
 
2.           So long as this agreement is in effect, each of the undersigned shall provide written notice to Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP (“Olshan”) of (i) any of their purchases or sales of securities of the Company; or (ii) any securities of the Company over which they acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership.  Notice shall be given no later than 24 hours after each such transaction.
 
3.           Each of the undersigned agrees to form the Group for the purpose of (i) soliciting proxies or written consents for the election of the persons nominated by the Group to the Board at the 2014 Annual Meeting, (ii) taking such other actions as the parties deem advisable, and (iii) taking all other action necessary or advisable to achieve the foregoing.
 
4.           Lone Star Value shall have the right to pre-approve all expenses incurred in connection with the Group’s activities and agrees to pay directly all such pre-approved expenses.
 
5.           Each of the undersigned agrees that any SEC filing, 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 set forth in Section 3 shall be first approved by Lone Star Value, or its representatives, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
6.           The relationship of the parties hereto shall be limited to carrying on the business 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 business 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.  Nothing herein shall restrict any party’s right to purchase or sell securities of the Company, as he/it deems appropriate, in his/its sole discretion, provided that all such sales are made in compliance with all applicable securities laws.
 
 
 

 
 
7.           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.
 
8.           In the event of any dispute 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.
 
9.           Any party hereto may terminate his/its obligations under this Agreement on 24 hours’ written notice to all other parties, with a copy by fax to Steve Wolosky at Olshan, Fax No. (212) 451-2222.
 
10.           Each party acknowledges that Olshan shall act as counsel for both the Group and Lone Star Value and its affiliates relating to their investment in the Company.
 
11.           Each of the undersigned parties hereby agrees that this Agreement shall be filed as an exhibit to a Schedule 13D pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Exchange Act.
 
 
 

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
Lone Star Value Investors, LP
     
 
By:
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager


 
Lone Star Value Co-Invest II, LP
     
 
By:
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager

 
 
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC
   
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Manager


 
Lone Star Value Management, LLC
   
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
   
Title:
Sole Member


 
/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein
 
JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN


 
/s/ Hannah M. Bible
 
HANNAH M. BIBLE


 
/s/ William Derosa
 
WILLIAM DEROSA
 
 
 

 
 
 
/s/ Kyle Hartley
 
KYLE HARTLEY

 
 
/s/ Alan L. Bazaar
 
ALAN L. BAZAAR

 
 
/s/ John M. Climaco
 
JOHN M. CLIMACO

 
 
/s/ Richard K. Coleman, Jr.
 
RICHARD K. COLEMAN, JR.

 
 
/s/ Kevin Rendino
 
KEVIN RENDINO

 
 
/s/ Dilip Singh
 
DILIP SINGH
 
EX-99.2 3 ex992to13d09482004_08152014.htm FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT ex992to13d09482004_08152014.htm
Exhibit 99.2

 
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP
c/o Lone Star Value Management, LLC
53 Forest Avenue, 1st Floor
Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870


 
August __, 2014
 


Re:           SWS Group, Inc.
 
 
Dear ______:

Thank you for agreeing to serve as a nominee for election to the Board of Directors of SWS Group, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the proxy solicitation that Lone Star Value Investors, LP and its affiliates (collectively, the “Lone Star Value Group”) is considering undertaking to nominate and elect directors at the Company’s 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, or any other meeting of stockholders held in lieu thereof, and any adjournments, postponements, reschedulings or continuations thereof (the “Lone Star Value Group Solicitation”).  Your outstanding qualifications, we believe, will prove a valuable asset to the Company and all of its stockholders.  This letter (“Agreement”) will set forth the terms of our agreement.
 
The members of the Lone Star Value Group agree to jointly and severally indemnify and hold you harmless against any and all claims of any nature, whenever brought, arising from the Lone Star Value Group Solicitation and any related transactions, irrespective of the outcome; provided, however, that you will not be entitled to indemnification for claims arising from your gross negligence, willful misconduct, intentional and material violations of law, criminal actions or material breach of the terms of this agreement; provided further, that upon your becoming a director of the Company, this indemnification shall not apply to any claims made against you in your capacity as a director of the Company.  This indemnification will include any and all losses, liabilities, damages, demands, claims, suits, actions, judgments, or causes of action, assessments, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, interest, penalties, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and any and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, any civil, criminal, administrative or arbitration action, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation asserted against, resulting, imposed upon, or incurred or suffered by you, directly or indirectly, as a result of or arising from the Lone Star Value Group Solicitation and any related transactions (each, a “Loss”).
 
In the event of a claim against you pursuant to the prior paragraph or the occurrence of a Loss, you shall give the Lone Star Value Group prompt written notice of such claim or Loss (provided that failure to promptly notify the Lone Star Value Group shall not relieve us from any liability which we may have on account of this Agreement, except to the extent we shall have been materially prejudiced by such failure).  Upon receipt of such written notice, the Lone Star Value Group will provide you with counsel to represent you.  Such counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to you.  In addition, you will be reimbursed promptly for all Losses suffered by you and as incurred as provided herein.  The Lone Star Value Group may not enter into any settlement of loss or claim without your consent unless such settlement includes a release of you from any and all liability in respect of such claim.
 
 
 

 
 
You hereby agree to keep confidential and not disclose to any party, without the consent of the Lone Star Value Group, any confidential, proprietary or non-public information (collectively, “Information”) of the Lone Star Value Group, its affiliates or members of its Schedule 13D group which you have heretofore obtained or may obtain in connection with your service as a nominee hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Information shall not include any information that is publicly disclosed by the Lone Star Value Group, its affiliates or members of its Schedule 13D group or any information that you can demonstrate is now, or hereafter becomes, through no act or failure to act on your part, otherwise generally known to the public.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if you are required by applicable law, rule, regulation or legal process to disclose any Information you may do so provided that you first promptly notify the Lone Star Value Group so that the Lone Star Value Group or any member thereof may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy or, in the Lone Star Value Group’s sole discretion, waive compliance with the terms of this Agreement.  In the event that no such protective order or other remedy is obtained or the Lone Star Value Group does not waive compliance with the terms of this Agreement, you may consult with counsel at the cost of the Lone Star Value Group and you may furnish only that portion of the Information which you are advised by counsel is legally required to be so disclosed and you will request that the party(ies) receiving such Information maintain it as confidential.

All Information, all copies thereof, and any studies, notes, records, analysis, compilations or other documents prepared by you containing such Information, shall be and remain the property of the Lone Star Value Group and, upon the request of a representative of the Lone Star Value Group, all such information shall be returned or, at the Lone Star Value Group’s option, destroyed by you, with such destruction confirmed by you to the Lone Star Value Group in writing.

This letter agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of the conflicts of laws thereof.
 

 
*              *              *
 
 
 

 
 
If you agree to the foregoing terms, please sign below to indicate your acceptance.
 
Very truly yours,
 
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP
 
By:
Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC,
its General Partner
   
By:
 
Name:
Jeffrey E. Eberwein
Title:
Manager
 
 
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
 
 
 
NAME
EX-99.3 4 ex993to13d09482004_08152014.htm FORM OF POWER OF ATTORNEY ex993to13d09482004_08152014.htm
Exhibit 99.3
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Know all by these presents, that the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey E. Eberwein the undersigned’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact to take any and all action in connection with (i) the undersigned’s beneficial ownership of, or participation in a group with respect to, securities of SWS Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) directly or indirectly beneficially owned by Lone Star Value Investors, LP (“Lone Star Value Investors”) or any of its affiliates or members of its Schedule 13D group (collectively, the “Lone Star Value Group”) and (ii) any proxy solicitation of the Lone Star Value Group to elect the Lone Star Value Group’s slate of director nominees to the board of directors of the Company at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (the “Solicitation”).  Such action shall include, but not be limited to:
 
1.           executing for and on behalf of the undersigned any Schedule 13D, and amendments thereto, filed by the Lone Star Value Group that are required to be filed under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules thereunder in connection with the undersigned’s beneficial ownership of, or participation in a group with respect to, securities of the Company or the Solicitation;
 
2.           if applicable, executing for and on behalf of the undersigned all Forms 3, 4 and 5 required to be filed under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in connection with the undersigned’s beneficial ownership of, or participation in a group with respect to, securities of the Company or the Solicitation;
 
3.           executing for and on behalf of the undersigned all Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreements or similar documents pursuant to which the undersigned shall agree to be a member of the Lone Star Value Group;
 
4.           performing any and all acts for and on behalf of the undersigned that may be necessary or desirable to complete and execute any such document, complete and execute any amendment or amendments thereto, and timely file such form with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any stock exchange or similar authority; and
 
5.           taking any other action of any type whatsoever in connection with the Solicitation, including entering into any settlement agreement, that in the reasonable opinion of such attorney-in-fact, may be of benefit to, in the best interest of, or legally required by, the undersigned, it being understood that the documents executed by such attorney-in-fact on behalf of the undersigned pursuant to this Power of Attorney shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as such attorney-in-fact may approve in such attorney-in-fact's reasonable discretion and shall not be inconsistent with the terms of that certain letter agreement between Lone Star Value Investors and the undersigned dated August ___, 2014 with respect to the indemnification of the undersigned by Lone Star Value Investors under certain circumstances.
 
The undersigned hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite, necessary, or proper to be done in the exercise of any of the rights and powers herein granted, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do if personally present, with full power of substitution or revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact, or such attorney-in-fact’s substitutes, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney and the rights and powers herein granted.  The undersigned acknowledges that the foregoing attorneys-in-fact, in serving in such capacity at the request of the undersigned, is not assuming any of the undersigned's responsibilities to comply with Section 13(d), Section 16 or Section 14 of the Exchange Act.
 
This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect until the undersigned is no longer a member of the Lone Star Value Group unless earlier revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to the foregoing attorneys-in-fact.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed as of this ___ day of August 2014.
 

 
 
NAME