The past 18 months have seen a number of developments in North American capital markets, with trends such as the rise of meme stocks and the self-proclaimed retail investor revolution dominating many headlines. Another interesting, if less novel, trend that
Nader Hasan (Toronto)
A UK dispute sheds light on the duties of a dissident director
A recent decision of the UK’s High Court — Stobart v Tinkler [2019] EWHC 258 (Comm) — has been released following a dispute between directors of a large infrastructure company (the “Company”). The decision, and the circumstances preceding…
When defamation in hostile proceedings leads to serious consequences
It will come as no surprise to those who have participated in a proxy fight to learn that these disputes can be heated affairs. Parties to a fight will routinely seek to discredit the other side to bolster their own…
Social media: shareholder activism in 140 characters or less
Social media has changed how we live. We have access to extensive information and global connections at our finger tips. Given its already well-established presence in our personal lives, it comes as no surprise that social media has become a…
Making your vote count II: CSA finalizes proxy voting protocols
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have recently released finalized guidance and protocols for meeting vote reconciliation under CSA Staff-Notice 54-305 Meeting Vote Reconciliation Protocols (the Protocols) which are implemented on a voluntary basis. The Protocols mark the…
Universal proxies: SEC proposal moving forward
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…