On March 14, 2013, the Canadian Securities Administrators (otherwise known as the “CSA”) published a request and notice for comments regarding Proposal National Instrument 62-105 – Security Holder Rights Plans, the purpose of which is to introduce the CSA’s proposed regulatory regime for rights plans. The proposed rule, which is discussed in more detail in… → Read More
Tag Archives: defensive tactics
Defensive Tactics – The AMF Alternative Approach
Posted in Public M&A, Shareholders, StrategyOn March 14, 2013, the Autorité des marchés financiers has published a consultation paper regarding An Alternative Approach to Securities Regulators’ Intervention in Defensive Tactics (the “AMF Approach”). Concurrently, the Canadian Securities Administrators (otherwise known as the “CSA”) published a request and notice for comments regarding Proposal National Instrument 62-105 – Security Holder Rights Plans,… → Read More
Fibrek: Where are we now in the regulation of defensive tactics?
Posted in Public M&A, Shareholders, StrategyResolute’ s battle for ownership of 100% of Fibrek Inc. recently came to an end with a friendly “white knight” offer from Mercer being withdrawn after a lengthy court battle. Resolute’s hostile bid for Fibrek was successful, notwithstanding that Fibrek’s board had endorsed Mercer’s offer at a 40% premium to the hostile bid. The Fibrek… → Read More
Will the Battle for Fibrek Impact the Canadian M&A Landscape?
Posted in Public M&A, Shareholders, StrategyThe recent saga of Fibrek Inc. has been of great interest to those in the M&A community. Many hoped that it would lead to the Supreme Court of Canada giving its view of defensive tactics and strengthen the hand of boards of directors seeking ways to maximize shareholder value in the face of an unsolicited… → Read More
OSC Dialogue 2011: Significant New OSC Policy Projects on M&A Matters Discussed
Posted in Public M&A, ShareholdersAfter a few years on hiatus, the Ontario Securities Commission hosted its “Dialogue” conference once again on November 1, 2011. OSC Dialogue opened with a speech from the Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission, Howard Wetston, and filled the morning with two panel discussions, one on market infrastructure and another on strategic issues in investor… → Read More
The Clash of the Rights Plan Cases (Redux)
Posted in Public M&A, ShareholdersThe Ontario Securities Commission issued an order this week in connection with a shareholder rights plan adopted by the board of directors of MOSAID Technologies Incorporated in response to a hostile bid made by Wi-LAN Inc. The OSC ordered that effective November 1, 2011 (i.e. 70 days after the commencement of Wi-LAN’s unsolicited offer), MOSAID’s… → Read More
Poison Pill 101: Comparing the Canadian and US Regimes
Posted in Public M&A, ShareholdersA poison pill, or shareholder rights plan, is a device implemented by a company’s board of directors in order to deter unsolicited or hostile acquisition proposals. The rights plan originated in the United States and was introduced in Canada in 1988 when Inco adopted its first rights plan. The introduction of poison pills in both… → Read More
Vice Chancellor Laster Visits Toronto to Speak on M&A Disputes
Posted in Public M&A, StrategyA select group of senior executives and in-house counsel interested in cross-border M&A disputes recently had a special opportunity to hear Vice Chancellor Travis Laster of the Delaware Court of Chancery speak in Toronto about his thoughts on some thorny M&A issues and their treatment under a continuum of legal regimes ranging from Pennsylvania, to… → Read More