Category: Proxy Statements and Annual Meetings

SEC Proposes Universal Ballots in Contested Elections

SEC Proposes Universal Ballots in Contested Elections

On October 26, 2016, in a split vote, the SEC proposed the mandated use of universal ballots in contested director elections at annual meetings. The proposed rules were controversial even before they were proposed – the House of Representatives approved a spending bill this summer that included a provision prohibiting the SEC from proposing or implementing the use of the universal ballots in contested elections....

2016 Proxy Season Review: Shareholder Proposals

2016 Proxy Season Review: Shareholder Proposals

With most of the 2016 proxy season in the rear-view mirror, it’s clear that shareholder proposals continue to be a preferred vehicle for certain kinds of shareholder activism, though with limited effectiveness unless the company and the shareholder reach a negotiated outcome. Proxy access proved to be the notable exception. Overall, the total number of shareholder proposals submitted (916) was down from the all-time high...

Companies Accelerate Adoption of Proxy Access as SEC Continues to Grant No-Action Relief

Companies Accelerate Adoption of Proxy Access as SEC Continues to Grant No-Action Relief

Proxy access adoption has accelerated through the current proxy season.  According to the Office of the New York City Comptroller,as of April 2016, more than 210 companies had adopted proxy access bylaws, many in response to shareholder demands. Read Dorsey’s eUpdate for further information: https://www.dorsey.com/newsresources/publications/client-alerts/2016/03/accelerate-proxy-access-sec-grant-no-action-relief