Index February 2005
Comment
Hewitt realises the limits of government
Richard Northedge
It is an interesting sign of the times that politicians
who once thought pursuing fat-cat businessmen was an easy vote-winner, now think
there are more votes to be won by abandoning the chase.
More >>
Governance
Directors' pay regulations report
DTI rules out further legislation
Patricia Hewitt, trade and industry secretary, has announced that the government
will not be seeking regulation on directors’ pay in the forthcoming Company Law
Reform Bill. More >>
Independent Director Survey
NED role becomes more time consuming
Most independent non-executive directors (NEDs) are
spending increasing amounts of time on their duties, according to the annual
Independent Director Survey. More
>>
Pace Micro Technology
FSA fines company for Listing Rule breaches
Pace Micro Technology, the digital television set-top
box company, has been fined £450,000 by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)
for breaches of the listing rules in January and February 2002.
More >>
SEC
Donaldson signals relaxation of rules
A relaxation of registration requirements for companies wanting to avoid US
corporate governance rules has been signalled by William Donaldson, chairman
of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). More >>
London Stock Exchange
Deutsche Börse spells out offer proposal
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has rejected the proposed offer for the company
from Deutsche Börse of not less than 530p a share.
More >>
Trades Union Congress
Companies should make pensions gains clearer
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched its annual
fund manager survey to find out how institutional investors voted on 50 issues
identified by the TUC. More >>
Mercer Investment Consulting
Fund managers increase governance resources'
More than three-quarters of European fund managers surveyed for their 2005
predictions by Mercer Investment Consulting believe that current levels of
corporate governance in the UK are sufficient while over two-thirds (70%) say
more could be done in the rest of Europe.
More >>
Annual global CEO survey
Hard to attain good governance and compliance
Chief executives (CEOs) interviewed for its 8th annual global CEO survey
understand the breadth of governance, risk management and compliance (GRC)
according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. More >>
Conference Board
AGM reform required
There is agreement among companies and investors that
annual general meetings need to be changed, according to a report by the
US-based business group, The Conference Board. More >>
MmO2
Mobile phone firm buys out small investors
Mobile phone operator mm02 is to hold an EGM this month seeking shareholder
approval for a scheme of arrangement so it can buy out its smaller shareholders
and a plan to end its registration with the US Securities & Exchange Commission
(SEC).
More >>
Financial Services Authority
Enforcement criticism acknowledged
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said in its business plan for 2005/06
that it intends to review its procedures for investigations and making
enforcement decisions. More >>
Corporate Social Responsibility
Tsunami Disaster
Business groups add up donations
Two international business groups have reported that companies have given help
worth more than $350m to alleviate the suffering of those involved in the Asian
tsunami disaster. More >>
IBLF
Development challenges need tackling
Nine out of 10 chief executives surveyed believe partnerships between business,
governments and civil society must play some role in addressing the world’s key
development challenges. More >>
Governance in brief.....
MMC settles with NY State
Attorney General
Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) has reached an agreement with the New York
State Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer and Acting Superintendent Howard Mills of
the New York State Insurance Department and will pay $850m to compensate
clients. More >>
CSR in brief.....
Companies should be positive
about OFR
Companies that respond positively to the new mandatory UK Operating and
Financial Review (OFR) are more likely to attract and retain investors, believe
consultancies ICF Consulting and CO3.
More >>
Conferences
Topical governance and CSR-related conferences.
More >>
February 2005
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