Exploring the Link between Gender, Governance, and Shareholder Activism

By Kaitlin Shung on August 10, 2018 Posted in Corporate Governance, Shareholder Activism

A study conducted by global consultancy firm Alvarez and Marsal (A&M) showed that companies with more women on their boards attract fewer activist investors. In particular, the study, which surveyed 1,854 public groups, revealed that companies not targeted by hedge fund activists had on average 13.4 per cent more women on their boards. Despite being … Continue reading

Shareholder engagement: A strategic opportunity

By Guy White on May 1, 2015 Posted in Shareholder Activism

Shareholder engagement is a key tool in a board’s toolkit to prepare for and respond to potential activist investor campaigns. A shareholder engagement program can provide valuable information on investor opinion, allow the board to head off issues before they become the subject of an activist campaign, and cement the support of important long-term investors. … Continue reading

Defensive Tools in Shareholder Activism: The “Voting Pill”

By Jacob Cawker (Toronto) on October 27, 2014 Posted in Corporate Finance, Corporate Governance, M&A, Proxy Battles, Securities, Shareholder Activism

In today’s Financial Post, Barbara Shecter highlighted the use of modified shareholder rights plans (colloquially known as “poison pills”) as an emerging defensive tool against opportunistic shareholder activism in Canada. Traditionally, poison pills are used by boards of target companies as defensive tools to guard against unsolicited takeover bids. By expanding the typical definition of … Continue reading