Exhibit 99.1
Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. Exploring Strategic Alternatives
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2011--Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (NYSE: MRT) (the "Company") announced today that, with the support of affiliates of Castle Harlan, Inc. and Laurel Crown Partners, LLC, its two largest current shareholders, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the exploration of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, which may include a potential sale of the Company. The Board of Directors has retained Jefferies & Company, Inc. as its financial advisor to assist in this process. The Company has not set a definitive timetable for completing its exploration of strategic alternatives and there can be no assurance that the process will result in any transaction. The Company does not intend to disclose further developments during this process, unless and until its Board of Directors approves a specific transaction or otherwise concludes the review of strategic alternatives.
About the Company
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to our founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment. As of March 16, 2011, the Company owned and operated 77 Morton's steakhouses located in 64 cities across 26 states, Puerto Rico and six international locations (Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Mexico City, Singapore and Toronto), as well as Trevi, our Italian restaurant, which is located next to the 'Fountain of the Gods' at The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas, NV. Please visit our Morton’s website at www.mortons.com.
CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters addressed are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements, written, oral or otherwise made, represent the Company's expectation or belief concerning future events. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, or otherwise, from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, (i) a reduction in consumer and/or business spending in one or more of the Company’s markets due to business layoffs, budget reductions, or negative consumer sentiment, (ii) risks relating to the restaurant industry and the Company’s business, including competition, changes in consumer tastes and preferences, the Company's ability to maintain adequate financing facilities, the Company’s liquidity and capital resources, prevailing interest rates and legal and regulatory matters, (iii) public health issues, including, without limitation risks relating to the spread of pandemic diseases, (iv) risks regarding the timing or whether the Company will elect to pursue any of the strategic alternatives it may consider, or that any such alternatives will result in changes to the Company's business plan or a sale of the Company and (v) other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm the Company's business, financial condition and results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
CONTACT:
Ronald M. DiNella
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc.
(312) 923-0030
