Shareholder Activism
Goodmans is the market leader in shareholder rights and activism mandates. Our lawyers deliver timely, creative and pragmatic solutions agreeable to all parties. With a reputation for collegiality in circumstances that can be contentious, our lawyers model constructive dialogue that often circumvents major escalation and leads to optimal dispute settlements.
At the same time, we have been extremely effective in winning protracted proxy contests for activists and boards where the only practical solution is to fight. We have time-honoured relationships with leading proxy solicitation firms, investor relations firms and media relations experts in Canada and internationally and are the leading recipient of referrals from other law firms in Canada and abroad.
In pioneering novel strategies to achieve our clients’ objectives, Goodmans has evolved shareholder activism market practices in Canada. We were the first in Canada to use Twitter and YouTube in a proxy campaign to reach a broad shareholder base.
Clients turn to us to add strong presentation, tactical and interpersonal skills to their team. We provide a steady voice and the ability to work with, and help lead, a team of principals and advisors in an environment that is often emotional and subject to tight and aggressive deadlines. We recognize the unique elements of each situation and carefully analyze the relevant considerations.
Our solutions meet the broad needs of boards and activist investors and include director nominations, meeting requisitions, shareholder proposals, proxy contests, unsolicited take-over bids, the use of strategic and tactical litigation and regulatory applications and settlement negotiations.
Explore People in Shareholder Activism
Meet our teamFeatured Work
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Shareholder Activism
Browning West achieves landmark victory in Gildan Activewear proxy campaign
Goodmans LLP acted for Browning West, LP in the successful reconstitution of Gildan Activewear’s entire board, culminating in the reinstatement of CEO Glenn Chamandy… -
Shareholder Activism
Board of WonderFi Technologies Inc.’s proxy defense from KAOS Capital and Mogo
Goodmans LLP acted for the special committee of the board of WonderFi Technologies Inc in connection with its defense of a proxy contest launched by KAOS Capital and MOGO. KAOS Capital is a… -
Shareholder Activism
FINSIGHT Group Inc. announces intent to vote against Q4 Inc’s proposed plan to be acquired by Sumeru Equity Partners
Goodmans LLP is acting for FINSIGHT Group Inc in connection with issuing a letter to the board of directors of Q4 Inc, announcing that it intends to vote AGAINST the Q4 Inc’s proposed plan of… -
Shareholder Activism
Dye & Durham’s defence of requisition from Engine Capital
Goodmans LLP is acting for the board of Dye & Durham in connection with a defence of requisition from Engine Capital… -
Shareholder Activism
Aimia Inc.'s largest shareholder, Mithaq, plans takeover bid
Goodmans LLP represented The Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Aimia Inc., in connection with an unsolicited takeover bid for Aimia by Mithaq Capital, Aimia's largest shareholder… -
Shareholder Activism
Magnet Forensics acquired by Thoma Bravo
Goodmans LLP acted for Nellore Capital Management, the largest shareholder of Subordinate Voting Shares of Magnet Forensics, in relation to Thoma Bravo’s proposed acquisition of Magnet Forensics…
Insights
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Capital Markets
Clarification on Rules Relating to the Removal of Directors by Shareholders
In OneMove Capital Corporation v. Dye & Durham Limited (“OneMove v. D&D”), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the “Court”) held that shareholders may not submit a proposal under section… -
Shareholder Activism
'The Shareholder Activism Phenomenon is Strong and Will Remain Strong for the Foreseeable Future', Lexpert
In a recent article for Lexpert.ca, author Jonathan Feldman discusses the state of shareholder activism in Canada and delves into what's top-of-mind for him as we head into the 2024 proxy… -
Shareholder Activism
Canadian Securities Administrators Seek Public Comment on Activist Short Selling
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) recently issued a consultation paper (the “Consultation Paper”) seeking feedback on a broad range of issues related to “activist short selling”. Activist… -
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Advance Notice By-Laws – A Canadian Shield
In BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust v. Saba Capital Master Fund, Ltd., the Delaware Supreme Court recently provided guidance on the validity of supplemental disclosure obligations imposed on… -
Capital Markets
Glass Lewis Releases 2020 Canadian Proxy Voting Guidelines
Proxy advisor Glass, Lewis & Co. recently released its 2020 Canadian Guidelines to Proxy Advice. These policy guidelines generally apply to shareholder meetings beginning in 2020, and the… -
Capital Markets
The Legal Status of Board Observers in Canada
As part of an equity investment or financing transaction, investors often seek the right to appoint a board observer in addition to or in place of receiving an actual seat on a company’s board. These…
Awards & Recognition
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Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables #1 Canadian legal advisor to activist investors in $5b+ Targets Only table, H1 2024 2024
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Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables #1 Canadian legal advisor to activist investors in Europe table, H1 2024 2024
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Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables #1 Canadian legal advisor on company-side engagements in Global Legal Advisers table, H1 2024 2024
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Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables #1 Canadian legal advisor on company-side engagements in Canada table, H1 2024 2024
News & Events
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Shareholder Activism
Jon Feldman at the Capital Markets Tribunal Adjudicators’ Policy Forum
On November 20, 2024, Jon Feldman, Head of Goodmans Shareholder Activism practice, spoke at the Capital Markets Tribunal Adjudicators’ Policy Forum on a panel that discussed Emerging Issues in… -
Shareholder Activism
Jon Feldman featured in "Behind the Scenes: The ISS Dress Rehearsal", The Deal
Goodmans partner Jon Feldman shares his insights in the article published by The Deal, "Behind the Scenes: The ISS Dress Rehearsal". "Normally in Canada you have two or three people… -
- 10:00 AM Shareholder Activism
Activewear Activism: Decoding the Gildan Proxy Battle
Together with Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, we invite you to an exclusive breakfast session at Goodmans LLP this Fall.Join us for an in-depth discussion with the team behind the Gildan Proxy battle, which…