CorpGov hosted a fireside chat with Goodmans LLP Partner and Business Law Group Head Jonathan Feldman, moderated by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone in a video session lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Main Discussion Points:
- Corporate governance: Discussing NVIDIA Corp. (Nasdaq: NVDA), Mr. Feldman said boards must act decisively when leadership controversies threaten shareholder confidence, regardless of how influential an executive may be.
- Trade tensions: Tariff uncertainty is clouding earnings outlooks and valuations for Canadian companies with U.S. exposure, while complicating cross-border deals.
- Activism: U.S. activists targeting Canadian companies are placing greater emphasis on local board representation amid rising geopolitical sensitivities.
- Shareholder engagement: Citing ExxonMobil Holdings Corp. (NYSE: XOM), Mr. Feldman said retail investors can influence proxy votes, but outdated shareholder communication systems remain a barrier to participation.
- “These long, protracted battles serve no one’s best interest, really,” said Mr. Feldman.
About Jon Feldman
Jon Feldman is a partner and heads a business law group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jon has extensive experience acting for buyers and sellers in a wide range of industries in both private and public M&A transactions.
Jon’s market leading practice in Canada in the area of shareholder activism is highlighted by his involvement in a number of the most high profile proxy contests representing both dissident shareholders and boards of directors. Jon also provides strategic advice in litigation matters requiring corporate and securities law knowledge.
Before joining Goodmans in 2004, Jon was an associate in the M&A Group of White & Case LLP in New York, where he represented clients in a broad range of M&A transactions.
Jon is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer by publications including: Chambers Canada (corporate/commercial – Ontario), The Legal 500 Canada (corporate M&A), IFLR1000 (M&A), Euromoney’s Banking, finance and transaction Expert Guide (M&A), The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (M&A, private equity and corporate finance & securities), The Lexpert/ALM Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (M&A), and Best Lawyers in Canada (corporate governance, M&A, corporate, leveraged buyouts and private equity). He was recently featured in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023. Jon has also been honoured as one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.
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Photo Gallery of the 6th Palm Beach CorpGov Forum
About Goodmans LLP
Goodmans LLP is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading law firms for M&A, capital markets, securities and finance, private equity, real estate, tax, restructuring, dispute resolution, and other business-related specialties.
Our clients are business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who need counsel from a law firm that is as enterprising, forward-thinking and direct as they are. We work hard to develop the most appropriate solution for any situation and provide clear, concise, and straightforward advice to solve some of their most complex and demanding legal issues.
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