Sullivan & Cromwell Chair Joe Shenker joins a panel of top business leaders and lawyers at the third biennial FCLTSummit on March 5 to speak on “Strengthening Shareholder Dialogue: Strategies in the Era of Social and Financial Activism.”
Shareholder activism campaigns are expanding across the globe. On average, activists hold only 0.2% of managed assets, yet they wield a disproportional influence over many companies’ strategic priorities. Often they focus on the short-term goal of “bringing earnings forward,” instead of encouraging long-term value creation.
In response, many companies are conducting activist-style analyses on themselves, even when not confronted with activist pressure. This strategy can contribute to short-term behavior.
The panel, part of a day-long event in New York City, will explore strategies that companies and investors can use to respond to increased activism and diminish its short-term impact.
Joseph C. Shenker
A personal adviser to dozens of the world’s most influential business leaders and families, S&C Chair Joe Shenker has a broad practice that includes representing clients in mergers and acquisitions (public and private); domestic and cross-border joint ventures; private equity investments; securities offerings; private and public financings; commercial real estate deals; professional sports-related transactions; and tax and estate planning.
Read more about Joe Shenker’s Practice
S&C’s Corporate Governance Practice
Corporate governance and shareholder activism represent increasingly critical areas of focus for public companies and corporations. Sullivan & Cromwell has a strong understanding of corporate governance requirements, practices and trends. The Firm counsels boards and companies on all facets of corporate governance, both within and outside the context of a particular activist campaign, taking into account the company’s specific circumstances and goals. S&C also offers broad experience and insight to assist clients in effectively engaging with shareholders and addressing their concerns.
Read our recent Client Memo: Review and Analysis of 2019 U.S. Shareholder Activism