Toronto (Canada) – The Canadian corporate environment was once a deferential place where shareholders weren’t inclined to “rock the boat”. That’s changed. Shareholder activism is now common – and activists are often successful. In fact, over the past ten years, activists involved in formal proxy contests have claimed partial or outright victories in a majority of cases. Fasken Martineau, a leading international business law and litigation firm, is proud to release its Director’s Handbook on shareholder activism, showcasing sound practices for any public company.
“Shareholder activism is now firmly entrenched in the Canadian corporate landscape,” says Bradley Freelan, a partner with Fasken Martineau, who along with fellow partner Aaron Atkinson, wrote the Director’s Handbook. “Companies of all sizes and in all industries are now the target of shareholder activism, and they need to be prepared.”
The Handbook is divided into four parts:
- an overview of duties of the board in the context of shareholder activism;
- a proactive program designed to decrease the odds of being targeted by an activist;
- a framework for responding to and engaging with an activist; and
- a description of common activist scenarios and tactics.
Members of the media wishing to receive additional information regarding shareholder activism can contact Geneviève Chalifour at +1 514 871 5987 (gchalifour@fasken.com).
About Fasken Martineau
Fasken Martineau is a leading international business law and litigation firm. With more than 700 lawyers, the firm has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, London and Johannesburg. For additional information, please visit the firm's website at fasken.com.
