Dan Coppel Discusses Managing Shareholder Relations During M&A Transactions With IFLR

In “M&A shareholder activism: Lawyers have to be ‘on the front foot,’” IFLR quoted corporate partner Dan Coppel on fostering constructive shareholder engagement during M&A deals.

Coppel said, “We’re advising a London-listed company perceived as resistant to change. By drawing attention to activist tactics and techniques (and some adverse outcomes for boards who didn’t pay heed), we have highlighted the importance of engagement.”

The publication further reported how attorneys often find themselves playing referee when mediating between boards, shareholders and the pursuit of value. Coppel explained that sometimes the game analogy is difficult to escape but that it is possible to find a win-win. However, he added that caution must be exercised to sidestep the perception of ‘caving’ to activist demands.

In conclusion, Coppel noted that the UK’s company laws also offer avenues for voicing shareholder demands that are arguably more conducive than in many U.S. states.

The full article is available for IFLR subscribers.