In a move that may encourage shareholder activism and increase the potential for proxy contests, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has voted to propose amendments to the U.S. federal proxy rules (the Proposed Rules). As discussed in a previous post, the Proposed Rules will require parties in all “non-exempt” solicitations in a contested director … Continue reading
In a recent speech focusing on proxy-related issues, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White has indicated that the SEC is working to propose new rules concerning universal proxies. She also encouraged companies to adopt them even before the SEC weighs in on this area. Currently in the United States, it is generally … Continue reading
The recent increase in hedge fund activism is “hyperbolic” and should be carefully assessed, according to two notable scholars, John C. Coffee Jr. (corporate law; Columbia) and Darius Palia (corporate finance; Rutgers), who have just published on comprehensive study on hedge fund activism entitled, “The Impact of Hedge Fund Activism: Evidence and Implications.” The authors … Continue reading