News & Events

Corporate Partner A.J. Kess and Corporate Associate Yafit Cohn were quoted in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, “Efforts to Give Shareholders More Say on Corporate Boards May be Gaining Traction,” discussing the surge in proxy access proposals in the past year. The article cites research conducted by the Firm, finding that as of July 26, 81 proxy access shareholder proposals have been submitted to a vote at Russell 3000 companies, 59% of which have passed. A.J. stated that larger companies should expect to receive a proxy access proposal in the coming years. He said, “It’s critical to get shareholders’ views on whether they support it. If so, the company can thoughtfully start thinking about whether it makes sense for your company and, if so, on what terms.” Looking forward to next year, Yafit noted, “I think you’ll see a lot more proposals, given the approval rate and average shareholder support” for these proposals in 2015.