defa14a
 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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o  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12

PIPER JAFFRAY COMPANIES


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(PIPERJAFFRAY LOGO)
April 8, 2008
Dear Shareholder:
We have previously sent to you proxy materials for our 2008 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 7, 2008. The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” all proposals to be voted on at the meeting.
In addition to the election of directors and the ratification of our independent auditor, the proxy statement contains a proposal to approve an amended and restated version of our 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan, which is being amended and restated principally to increase the number of shares available for grant. The increase in shares will allow us to further our goal of aligning employees’ interests with the interests of shareholders, will foster an ownership culture among employees, will assist in the recruitment and retention of employees, and will allow us to pay a portion of our incentive compensation in equity, in lieu of cash. Your vote “FOR” the Incentive Plan is particularly important. Absent shareholder approval of the Incentive Plan, our ability to make year-end equity awards to employees will be severely limited.
Your vote is important, no matter how many or how few shares you may own. If you have not already done so, please vote TODAY by telephone or the Internet, or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided.
Sincerely,
-s- Andrew Duff
Andrew Duff
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
IMPORTANT
To vote your shares by telephone or the Internet,
follow the instructions on the enclosed card.
If you have any questions, or need assistance in voting your shares, please
call our proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A, at the following
TOLL-FREE number:
1-888-750-5834