On March 31, 2020, S&C’s global head of M&A Frank Aquila and co-head of S&C’s Corporate Governance practice Melissa Sawyer presented a one-hour briefing hosted by PLI titled “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Current Shareholder Activism Environment.” The briefing addressed how public companies can best prepare for the changes occurring within the shareholder activism landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank and Melissa discussed the following during the briefing, among other topics:
- Addressing short selling, rapid share accumulation and vulnerability to unsolicited takeover bids;
- Preparing for proxy contests, special meeting demands and written consent campaigns;
- Preparing for responses to activist demands; and
- Engaging with regulators and institutional shareholders amidst the crisis.