SEC Form SC 13D/A filed by Acacia Research Corporation (Acacia Tech) (Amendment)

2/15/24 4:59:14 PM ET

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SC 13D/A 1 sc13da306297282_02152024.htm AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE SCHEDULE 13D

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. 3)¹

Acacia Research Corporation

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

003881307

(CUSIP Number)

JEFFREY C. SMITH

STARBOARD VALUE LP

777 Third Avenue, 18th Floor

New York, New York 10017

(212) 845-7977

ANDREW FREEDMAN, ESQ.

MEAGAN REDA, ESQ.

OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP

1325 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

(212) 451-2300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person

Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

February 13, 2024

(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. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					61,123,595
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND LTD
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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

			CAYMAN ISLANDS
NUMBER OF			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					33,048,368
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					33,048,368
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			33,048,368
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			33.1%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			CO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY S LLC
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					6,112,360
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					6,112,360
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			6,112,360
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			6.1%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			OO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY C LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					3,545,169
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					3,545,169
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			3,545,169
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			3.5%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE R LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					3,545,169
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					3,545,169
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			3,545,169
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			3.5%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND L LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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

			CAYMAN ISLANDS
NUMBER OF			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					3,361,798
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					3,361,798
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			3,361,798
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			3.4%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE L LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					3,361,798
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					3,361,798
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			3,361,798
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			3.4%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE R GP LLC
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					6,906,967
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					6,906,967
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			6,906,967
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			6.9%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			OO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD X MASTER FUND LTD
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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

			CAYMAN ISLANDS
NUMBER OF			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					4,664,889
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					4,664,889
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			4,664,889
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			4.7%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			CO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD VALUE GP LLC
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					61,123,595
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			OO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO LP
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					61,123,595
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			PN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO GP LLC
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					61,123,595
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			OO

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			JEFFREY C. SMITH
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					- 0 -
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					61,123,595
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			IN

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			PETER A. FELD
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	3	SEC USE ONLY


	4	SOURCE OF FUNDS

			OO
	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					- 0 -
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					61,123,595
PERSON WITH			9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

					- 0 -
			10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

					61,123,595
	11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

			61,123,595
	12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			61.2%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			IN

CUSIP No. 003881307

NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

GAVIN T. MOLINELLI

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

SEC USE ONLY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

☐

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SOLE VOTING POWER

BENEFICIALLY

45,394

OWNED BY

SHARED VOTING POWER

EACH

REPORTING

- 0 -

PERSON WITH

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

45,394

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

- 0 -

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

45,394

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

☐

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

Less than 1%

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

CUSIP No. 003881307


	1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

			AJAY SUNDAR
	2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP				(a) ☐
						(b) ☐

	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			7	SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY					- 0 -
OWNED BY			8	SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING					- 0 -
PERSON WITH			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				☐


	13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

			0%
	14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

			IN

CUSIP No. 003881307

NAME OF REPORTING PERSON

JONATHAN SAGAL

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a) ☐

(b) ☐

SEC USE ONLY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)

☐

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SOLE VOTING POWER

BENEFICIALLY

189,227

OWNED BY

SHARED VOTING POWER

EACH

REPORTING

- 0 -

PERSON WITH

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

189,227

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

- 0 -

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

189,227

CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

☐

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

Less than 1%

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

CUSIP No. 003881307

The following constitutes Amendment No. 3 to the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (“Amendment No. 3”). This Amendment No. 3 amends the Schedule 13D as specifically set forth herein.

Item 2.

Identity and Background.

(a) This statement is filed by:

(i)

Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund Ltd, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Starboard V&O Fund”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it;

(ii)

Starboard Value and Opportunity S LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Starboard S LLC”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it;

(iii)

Starboard Value and Opportunity C LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Starboard C LP”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it;

(iv)

Starboard Value R LP (“Starboard R LP”), as the general partner of Starboard C LP;

(v)

Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund L LP, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (“Starboard L Master”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it;

(vi)

Starboard Value L LP (“Starboard L GP”), as the general partner of Starboard L Master;

(vii)

Starboard Value R GP LLC (“Starboard R GP”), as the general partner of Starboard R LP and Starboard L GP;

(viii)

Starboard X Master Fund Ltd, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Starboard X Master”), with respect to the Shares directly and beneficially owned by it;

(ix)

Starboard Value LP, as the investment manager of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard X Master and of a certain managed account (the “Starboard Value LP Account”) and the manager of Starboard S LLC;

(x)

Starboard Value GP LLC (“Starboard Value GP”), as the general partner of Starboard Value LP;

(xi)

Starboard Principal Co LP (“Principal Co”), as a member of Starboard Value GP;

(xii)

Starboard Principal Co GP LLC (“Principal GP”), as the general partner of Principal Co;

CUSIP No. 003881307

(xiii)

Jeffrey C. Smith, as a member of Principal GP and as a member of each of the Management Committee of Starboard Value GP and the Management Committee of Principal GP;

(xiv)

Peter A. Feld, as a member of Principal GP and as a member of each of the Management Committee of Starboard Value GP and the Management Committee of Principal GP;

(xv)

Gavin T. Molinelli, who serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”);

(xvi)

Ajay Sundar, who was recently appointed to the Board, as further described in Item 4 below; and

(xvii)

Jonathan Sagal, who was formerly a member of the Board, as further described in Item 4 below.

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 Agreement, as further described in Item 6. Accordingly, the Reporting Persons are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.

(b) The address of the principal office of each of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard S LLC, Starboard C LP, Starboard R LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard L GP, Starboard R GP, Starboard X Master, Starboard Value LP, Starboard Value GP, Principal Co, Principal GP and Messrs. Molinelli, Sagal and Sundar is 777 Third Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, New York 10017. The address of the principal office of each of Messrs. Smith and Feld is c/o Starboard Value LP, 201 E Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The officers and directors of Starboard V&O Fund and Starboard X Master and their principal occupations and business addresses are set forth on Schedule A to the Schedule 13D and are incorporated by reference in this Item 2.

(c) The principal business of Starboard V&O Fund is serving as a private investment fund. Starboard V&O Fund has been formed for the purpose of making equity investments and, on occasion, taking an active role in the management of portfolio companies in order to enhance shareholder value. Starboard S LLC, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master and Starboard X Master have been formed for the purpose of investing in securities and engaging in all related activities and transactions. Starboard Value LP provides investment advisory and management services and acts as the investment manager of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard X Master and the Starboard Value LP Account and the manager of Starboard S LLC. The principal business of Starboard Value GP is providing a full range of investment advisory, pension advisory and management services and serving as the general partner of Starboard Value LP. The principal business of Principal Co is providing investment advisory and management services. Principal Co is a member of Starboard Value GP. Principal GP serves as the general partner of Principal Co. Starboard R LP serves as the general partner of Starboard C LP. Starboard L GP serves as the general partner of Starboard L Master. Starboard R GP serves as the general partner of Starboard R LP and Starboard L GP. Messrs. Smith and Feld serve as members of Principal GP and the members of each of the Management Committee of Starboard Value GP and the Management Committee of Principal GP. Mr. Molinelli serves as a Senior Partner of Starboard Value LP. Mr. Sagal serves as a Partner of Starboard Value LP. Mr. Sundar serves as a Managing Director at Starboard Value LP.

(d) No Reporting Person, nor any person listed on Schedule A to the Schedule 13D, annexed thereto, has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

CUSIP No. 003881307

(e) No Reporting Person, nor any person listed on Schedule A to the Schedule 13D, annexed thereto, 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. Smith, Feld, Molinelli, Sagal and Sundar are citizens of the United States of America. The citizenship of the persons listed on Schedule A to the Schedule 13D is set forth therein.

Item 3.

Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

Item 3 is hereby amended and restated as follows:

The securities purchased by each of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard S LLC, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard X Master and Starboard Value LP through the Starboard Value LP Account were purchased with working capital pursuant to the terms of the various agreements entered into with the Issuer, as further described in Item 4 of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D.

The aggregate purchase price of 33,048,368 Shares beneficially owned by Starboard V&O Fund is approximately $128,736,762, excluding brokerage commissions. The aggregate purchase price of the 6,112,360 Shares beneficially owned by Starboard S LLC is approximately $23,810,114, excluding brokerage commissions. The aggregate purchase price of the 3,545,169 Shares beneficially owned by Starboard C LP is approximately $13,809,867, excluding brokerage commissions. The aggregate purchase price of the 3,361,798 Shares beneficially owned by Starboard L Master is approximately $13,095,563, excluding brokerage commissions. The aggregate purchase price of the 4,664,889 Shares beneficially owned by Starboard X Master is approximately $18,171,626, excluding brokerage commissions. The aggregate purchase price of the 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account is approximately $40,477,190, excluding brokerage commissions.

The 45,394 Shares beneficially owned directly by Mr. Molinelli were awarded to him in his capacity as a director of the Issuer. 164,892 of the Shares beneficially owned directly by Mr. Sagal were awarded to him in his former capacity as a director of the Issuer. 24,335 of the Shares beneficially owned directly by Mr. Sagal were purchased with personal funds in connection with Mr. Sagal’s exercise of certain subscriptions rights in connection with the Public Rights Offering (as defined and described in Item 4 of Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13D). The aggregate purchase price of the 24,335 Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Sagal pursuant to his exercise of subscription rights in the Public Rights Offering is $127,759.

Item 4.

Purpose of Transaction.

Item 4 is hereby amended to add the following:

On February 13, 2024, Ajay Sundar, Managing Director at Starboard Value LP, was appointed as a director of the Issuer to serve until the Issuer’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. In addition, Jonathan Sagal resigned as a director of the Issuer, effective February 13, 2024.

Item 5.

Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

Items 5(a) – (c) are hereby amended and restated as follows:

CUSIP No. 003881307

The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 99,886,322 Shares outstanding, as of November 6, 2023, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

Starboard V&O Fund

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Starboard V&O Fund beneficially owned 33,048,368 Shares.

Percentage: Approximately 33.1%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 33,048,368
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 33,048,368
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard V&O Fund has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard S LLC

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Starboard S LLC beneficially owned 6,112,360 Shares.

Percentage: Approximately 6.1%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 6,112,360
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 6,112,360
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard S LLC has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard C LP

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Starboard C LP beneficially owned 3,545,169 Shares.

Percentage: Approximately 3.5%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,545,169
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,545,169
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard C LP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

CUSIP No. 003881307

Starboard R LP

(a)

Starboard R LP, as the general partner of Starboard C LP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP.

Percentage: Approximately 3.5%

(b)

(c)

Starboard R LP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard L Master

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Starboard L Master beneficially owned 3,361,798 Shares.

Percentage: Approximately 3.4%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 3,361,798
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 3,361,798
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard L Master has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard L GP

(a)

Starboard L GP, as the general partner of Starboard L Master, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master.

Percentage: Approximately 3.4%

(b)

(c)

Starboard L GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard R GP

(a)

Starboard R GP, as the general partner of Starboard R LP and Starboard L GP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP and (ii) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master.

CUSIP No. 003881307

Percentage: Approximately 6.9%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 6,906,967
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 6,906,967
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard R GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard X Master

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Starboard X Master beneficially owned 4,664,889 Shares.

Percentage: Approximately 4.7%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 4,664,889
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 4,664,889
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard X Master has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard Value LP

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, 10,391,011 Shares were held in the Starboard Value LP Account. Starboard Value LP, as the investment manager of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard X Master and the Starboard Value LP Account and the manager of Starboard S LLC, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 33,048,368 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 6,112,360 Shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master, (v) 4,664,889 Shares owned by Starboard X Master and (vi) 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.

Percentage: Approximately 61.2%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 61,123,595
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 61,123,595
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Starboard Value LP through the Starboard Value LP Account has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Starboard Value GP

(a)

Starboard Value GP, as the general partner of Starboard Value LP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 33,048,368 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 6,112,360 Shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master, (v) 4,664,889 Shares owned by Starboard X Master and (vi) 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.

CUSIP No. 003881307

Percentage: Approximately 61.2%

(b)

(c)

Starboard Value GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Principal Co

(a)

Principal Co, as a member of Starboard Value GP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 33,048,368 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 6,112,360 Shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master, (v) 4,664,889 Shares owned by Starboard X Master and (vi) 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.

Percentage: Approximately 61.2%

(b)

(c)

Principal Co has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Principal GP

(a)

Principal GP, as the general partner of Principal Co, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 33,048,368 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 6,112,360 Shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master, (v) 4,664,889 Shares owned by Starboard X Master and (vi) 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.

Percentage: Approximately 61.2%

(b)

(c)

Principal GP has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

CUSIP No. 003881307

Messrs. Smith and Feld

(a)

Each of Messrs. Smith and Feld, as a member of Principal GP and as a member of each of the Management Committee of Starboard Value GP and the Management Committee of Principal GP, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the (i) 33,048,368 Shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 6,112,360 Shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 3,545,169 Shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 3,361,798 Shares owned by Starboard L Master, (v) 4,664,889 Shares owned by Starboard X Master and (vi) 10,391,011 Shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account.

Percentage: Approximately 61.2%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 0
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 61,123,595
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 61,123,595

(c)

None of Messrs. Smith or Feld has entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Mr. Molinelli

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Mr. Molinelli beneficially owned 45,394 Shares.

Percentage: Less than 1%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 45,394
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 45,394
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Mr. Molinelli has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Mr. Sagal

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Mr. Sagal beneficially owned 189,227 Shares.

Percentage: Less than 1%

(b)

1. Sole power to vote or direct vote: 189,227
2. Shared power to vote or direct vote: 0
3. Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 189,227
4. Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition: 0

(c)

Mr. Sagal has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

Mr. Sundar

(a)

As of the close of business on February 15, 2024, Mr. Sundar beneficially owned 0 Shares.

CUSIP No. 003881307

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)

Mr. Sundar has not entered into any transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days.

The filing of this Schedule 13D shall not be deemed an admission that the Reporting Persons are, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the beneficial owners of any securities of the Issuer that he or it does not directly own. Each of the Reporting Persons specifically disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities reported herein that he or it does not directly own.

Item 6.

Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

Item 6 is hereby amended to add the following:

On February 15, 2024, the Reporting Persons entered into a Joint Filing Agreement in which the Reporting Persons agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer to the extent required by applicable law. The Joint Filing Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.

Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

Item 7 is hereby amended to add the following exhibits:

99.1

Joint Filing Agreement by and among Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund Ltd, Starboard Value and Opportunity S LLC, Starboard Value and Opportunity C LP, Starboard Value R LP, Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund L LP, Starboard Value L LP, Starboard Value R GP LLC, Starboard X Master Fund Ltd, Starboard Value LP, Starboard Value GP LLC, Starboard Principal Co LP, Starboard Principal Co GP LLC, Jeffrey C. Smith, Peter A. Feld, Gavin Molinelli, Jonathan Sagal and Ajay Sundar, dated February 15, 2024.

99.2

Power of Attorney for Ajay Sundar, dated February 15, 2024.

CUSIP No. 003881307

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: February 15, 2024

STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND LTD

By: Starboard Value LP,

its investment manager

STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY S LLC

By: Starboard Value LP,

its manager

STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY C LP

By: Starboard Value R LP,

its general partner

STARBOARD VALUE R LP

By: Starboard Value R GP LLC,

its general partner

STARBOARD VALUE AND OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND L LP

By: Starboard Value L LP,

its general partner

STARBOARD VALUE L LP

By: Starboard Value R GP LLC,

its general partner

STARBOARD X MASTER FUND LTD

By: Starboard Value LP,

its investment manager

STARBOARD VALUE LP

By: Starboard Value GP LLC,

its general partner

STARBOARD VALUE GP LLC

By: Starboard Principal Co LP,

its member

STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO LP

By: Starboard Principal Co GP LLC,

its general partner

STARBOARD PRINCIPAL CO GP LLC

STARBOARD VALUE R GP LLC



By:	/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith
	Name:	Jeffrey C. Smith
	Title:	Authorized Signatory

/s/ Jeffrey C. Smith

JEFFREY C. SMITH

Individually and as attorney-in-fact for Peter A. Feld, Gavin T. Molinelli, Jonathan Sagal and Ajay Sundar

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SEC Form SC 13D/A filed by Acacia Research Corporation (Acacia Tech) (Amendment)

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Amendment: SEC Form SC 13D/A filed by Acacia Research Corporation (Acacia Tech)