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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*** Exercise Your Right to Vote ***
IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

PIPER JAFFRAY COMPANIES
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800 NICOLLET MALL, SUITE 800
MAIL STOP J09N05
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402

Meeting Information
Meeting Type:     Annual Meeting
For holders as of:   March 9, 2010
Date:   May 5, 2010   Time:   2:30 p.m. CDT
Location:   U.S. BANCORP CENTER
800 Nicollet Mall
12th Floor - The Huber Room
Minneapolis, MN 55402
You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.
This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).
We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.


 


 


 

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—  Before You Vote  —
How to Access the Proxy Materials
Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:
NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT         ANNUAL REPORT
How to View Online:
Have the 12-Digit Control Number available (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com.
How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:
If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:
     
1) BY INTERNET:
  www.proxyvote.com
2) BY TELEPHONE:
  1-800-579-1639
3) BY E-MAIL*:
  sendmaterial@proxyvote.com
*   If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12-Digit Control Number (located on the following page) in the subject line.
Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 21, 2010 to facilitate timely delivery.
—  How To Vote  —
Please Choose One of The Following Voting Methods
Vote In Person: Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the Meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares.
Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the 12 Digit Control Number available and follow the instructions.
Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card.


 


 

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Voting Items    
 
               
The Board of Directors recommends
that you vote FOR the following:
 
               
1.
    Election of Directors    
    Nominees:    
 
               
 
    01 )   Andrew S. Duff 06) Lisa K. Polsky   
 
               
 
    02 )   Michael R. Francis 07) Frank L. Sims   
 
               
 
    03 )   Virginia Gambale 08) Jean M. Taylor   
 
               
 
    04 )   B. Kristine Johnson 09) Michele Volpi   
 
               
 
    05 )   Addison L. Piper    
 
               
 
               
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

2.
    Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young, LLP as the independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2010.

NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.