Anticipating and Resolving Shareholder Concerns in the Global Credit Crisis

Investors' anxiety over the global credit crisis and the collapse of confidence in financial markets means public companies should be prepared for more aggressive investor focus on financial performance, executive compensation and corporate governance. In the article "Back to Basics: Stay Focused on the Business, and Listen to Shareholders," partner Thomas R. McGuigan and associate Melissa A. Plotsky from Squire Sanders' West Palm Beach office describe how corporate leaders who reach out to shareholders by anticipating their needs and engaging them are much more likely to come through the crisis with their company-shareholder relationships intact.

Topics include executive compensation in light of the US Treasury Department's Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), managing the director election process, effectively structuring communications with shareholders, and how directors can find an appropriate balance between spending time and energy on compliance with corporate governance requirements and providing guidance and strategy on the business of the company.