Activists Are Knocking: Should Boards Open The Door?

December 11, 2009 10:45 AM 11:15 AM

Speaker: Ken Altman, Founder, President, The Altman Group
William Ackman, CEO Pershing Square Capital Management LP
Warren S. de Wied, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Steve Wolosky, Partner, Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP


Even before the economic meltdown, activists investors were going after companies they felt were not doing enough to increase their value and raise share prices. But the downturn has made it even more inviting for individuals like Bill Ackman and others to challenge companies and seek to place their representatives on the board. At the same time, unions also are seeking to increase their role and are looking for greater say. Such discussions and efforts, of course, put strain on the company, but also on board members as well. In this panel get a view of how boards are or should be reacting and whether more such efforts are in the offing.

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