While many experts anticipate shareholder activism to level off or even decline in 2016, activist activity reached new heights in 2015 with several high-profile campaigns. The topic continues to headline national media coverage and remains a critical component of corporate governance planning strategy.
Join Skadden partner Richard Grossman, as well as Steve Frankel, Partner at Joelle Frank, and Arthur Crozier, Co-chairman and Managing Director at Innisfree M&A Incorporated, for a discussion of the latest developments and trends of governance and economic shareholder activism. Panelists analyze those developments and discuss steps companies can take to be prepared for activist approaches, including proactive shareholder engagement strategies.
Learning Objectives:
I. Identify trends and tactics in shareholder activism, including the increased number of settlements
II. Explore best practices for assessing company vulnerabilities
III. Take proactive steps and understand advance preparation companies can take to be ready for activist activity
IV. Discover shareholder engagement strategies, including pros and cons of director engagement with shareholders
V. Respond to activist proposals and develop a communications plan
VI. Explore hot topics in governance activism, including proxy access
Richard J. Grossman focuses his practice on proxy contests, responses to shareholder activists, corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts.
Mr. Grossman has advised many companies with respect to corporate governance issues and responses to shareholder proposals. He also has represented companies in contested proxy solicitations and other contests for corporate control as well as unsolicited acquisition proposals. In addition, Mr. Grossman has advised clients in designing and implementing shareholder rights plans and other corporate protective measures.
His representations have included:
Bar Admissions
New York
Education
J.D., New York University, 1984
B.S., The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1981
Steve advises clients on mergers and acquisitions and shareholder activism, as well as media strategy, investor relations and crisis communications. During the past two decades, he has been involved in numerous takeover battles, friendly mergers and other high-profile situations involving many of the world’s most respected corporations. Steve is well-recognized for his depth of experience in the financial services sector and has developed close working relationships with the leading attorneys, investment bankers and journalists covering the space. In addition, he has worked with numerous healthcare, energy and technology companies. His areas of expertise include:
Steve joined Joele Frank in 2005. Previously, he led the M&A practices at The Abernathy MacGregor Group and Burson-Marsteller. Earlier in his career, he served as a press aide and speechwriter to Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris and to University of Georgia President Charles B. Knapp. Steve received a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and an MA in political science from Georgia State University.
Innisfree M&A Incorporated is a full-service proxy solicitation/investor relations firm. In addition to lead representation of clients in all areas of the firm's practice, Arthur Crozier's particular responsibilities include:
Executive Compensation/Corporate Governance Consulting - primarily responsible for all clients seeking shareholder approval of equity incentive compensation programs and advice on corporate governance issues
Non-US Clients - responsible for a large proportion of the firm's non-U.S. client assignments
This was a great presentation. Unfortunately, it now is dated. I was hoping to get some recent shareholder activism updates. But this was well done and the speakers very professional, prepared and well-informed. I will look for more classes.
Really good content. Lawline needs more of this
Well done.
Great written materials!
very good one
Panelists maintained a even-paced discussion of the topics.
Nice inside perspective.
Really great panelists, agenda and format for this program. Felt like I was right in the same room with the faculty.
Very valuable information for board members and attorneys.
The speakers were very knowledgeable.
Outstanding content and dialogue!
Excellent program, very high quality
I am an attorney and I serve on the board of a corporation. This is the best mcle I've ever taken.
Speakers had good examples to keep a very dry topic interesting.
Probably the best Lawline program I've seen. Well done.
Excellent
excellent presentation
The course brought facts to my attention that I was unaware of. For example, the 3/3 Rule--3% ownership in the company for a period of three years as it relates to shareholder activism. Great course overall.
Very informative. Great learning experience.
Gives over view of shareholder activist and methods used
Very good overview of considerations in shareholder activism issues
Good job.
Thanks for taking my question