The simple but powerful statement of solidarity with the notion of a free society that articulated the public reaction to the recent horrific events at the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris shows just how important freedom is in our modern age. Not just freedom of expression, but freedom of belief and movement too. “Je […]
Read MoreThe AMF has this week (2nd July) released its final report on improving the exercise of shareholders rights at French general meetings. Following consultation during 2011, the proposals are expected to be in place in time for meetings on or after 1st January 2013, subject to the adoption of legislative amendments where necessary. Interestingly, elaboration […]
Read MoreThe Canadian proxy voting system is fundamentally flawed says Canadian law firm Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. In a forthcoming white paper the firm has, in its words: “uncloaked the mystery surrounding the proxy voting system in Canada.” Canadian proxy voting is circuitous and results in complicated communications between issuers and investors that lack transparency and accountability. It […]
Read MoreThe activist shareholder Guy Wyser-Pratte has challenged the outcome of the AGM of Lagardère, held on 27 April, and requested the French market regulator, the AMF, to verify the procedures for the transmission of the votes submitted to the meeting. In a letter dated 8 June 2010, Wyser-Pratte states that he has serious doubts about […]
Read MoreEuro investor activism at US firms continues International pension funds appear ready to continue to pressure U.S. companies to appoint independent board chairs, a leadership structure now commonly adopted by European boards but still relatively rare in the United States. According to research by Proxy Governance only 25% of U.S. companies now have an independent board chair. […]
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