Tag archives: COVID-19

Dialing In: Adapting to Virtual Shareholder Meetings

By Jenny Ng (Toronto) on September 28, 2020 Posted in Corporate Governance, Securities

The Shift to a Virtual World

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered and changed many familiar corporate operational and governance practices and norms, including how issuers host their annual general meetings (AGMs). Broadridge Financial Solutions reported hosting 300 virtual meetings in 2019 and approximately 1500 virtual meetings this year thus far.

In place of in-person only AGMs, issuers have two options: (1) hybrid AGMs that provide both virtual and physical meeting platform options and (2) virtual-only AGMs implemented through electronic means such as the use of live webcasts and teleconference lines. Virtual-only AGMs have proven to be the most … Continue Reading

Global Trends in Shareholder Activism Amidst COVID-19

By Monica Wong (Toronto) on September 4, 2020 Posted in M&A, Shareholder Activism

Laptops with dashboard metrics on screen

According to a review of shareholder activism by Lazard (the Lazard Review) that examined global activism trends in the first half of 2020 (H1 2020), economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with heightened awareness of widening socioeconomic inequalities around the world, has altered shareholder activism activity globally. We highlight some important trends to watch as companies and shareholders continue into the second half of 2020.

Resurgence of Poison Pills

As stock prices plummeted in March, many U.S. companies moved quickly to adopt poison pills (also known as shareholder rights plans). A recent study found … Continue Reading