Shareholder campaigns and proxy contests are now a fact of life for Canadian public companies. Activist investors increasingly use public campaigns, and the threat of public campaigns, to influence strategy, operations and governance.

When facing or initiating a possible shareholder campaign, proxy contest or other critical situation, having an expert team in place, ready to act, is a must.

Bennett Jones has one of the most experienced and successful shareholder activism and critical situations groups in Canada. We are frequently called upon for our expertise to assist in some of the most difficult situations and have consistently helped our clients achieve successful results.

Our shareholder activism and critical situations team provides strategic advice to issuers, special committees and activist investors in all aspects of shareholder activism, including proxy contests, securities law compliance, defensive and activist strategies, meeting requisitions, settlements and proceedings before the courts and securities regulators.

Our team has also played a leading role in many of Canada's most high profile contested transactions, regulatory investigations, management-initiated internal investigations and other critical situations.