Leslie O’Donoghue, Law ’88, comments on proxy advisory services in corporate acquisitions

(April 1, 2010)

“Picking Favourites,” the cover story of the April/May 2010 issue of Canadian Lawyer InHouse, examines the increasing role proxy advisory services are playing in corporate acquisitions in Canada. In the article, Robert Todd provides in-house lawyers with timely information about the services offered by proxy advisory firms, and advice on how to build a takeover bid that will win their favour. 

Leslie O’Donoghue, Law ’88, Agruim Inc’s chief legal officer and senior vice-president of business development, was interviewed for her expert opinion.

“You’ll find that a lot of the indexed funds, and many other shareholders, really look to the advisory services,” she told Todd, “and I wouldn’t say follow it routinely, but take them seriously into consideration in determining the manner of their vote.”

Among other issues, O'Donoghue also discussed valuation and communications strategy.

“So your preparation is all about presenting your case,” she said, “presenting the valuation metrics, staying in very close contact with the advisory services, launching a very aggressive and compelling — from a communications standpoint — campaign with the target’s shareholders.”

Read the article, “Picking Favourites,” at http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/Picking-favourites.html