CLEVELAND, Dec. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history, the upcoming proxy season will prove to be anything but "routine." Incentive plans, executive compensation, use of cash and board composition will be among the issues drawing heightened scrutiny. Regulatory changes will spawn more shareholder proposals from institutional investors and impact director elections. Activist hedge funds are expected to be even more aggressive and opportunistic as they look to restore their capital levels. The changes in broker voting rules will likely only further complicate matters.
On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at 12:00 noon (Eastern), Keith Mabee, vice chairman of Dix & Eaton, will lead a roundtable discussion with senior corporate executives on the various activist issues facing management this coming proxy season, as well as possible strategies to address these issues. Panelists joining this discussion will include: Martin Ellis, president and chief executive officer of Agilysys (Nasdaq:AGYS); Chris Hewitt, a Jones Day partner who advises public companies on corporate and securities law matters, and other issues; and Rachel Posner, senior managing director and general counsel of Georgeson, Inc., a world leader in proxy solicitation.
To participate in this roundtable discussion, please visit www.dix-eaton.com, prior to the start of the event to register and download or install any necessary audio software. Attendees will be able to pose questions to the group both via the webinar and via Twitter (@D_and_E).
A replay of this roundtable discussion will be available at www.dix-eaton.com beginning December 10.
About Dix & Eaton
Dix & Eaton is an integrated communications consultancy specializing in public relations, investor relations and customer communications. Working as partners, we bring deep experience, foresight and creativity to every relationship and help clients realize the full power of communication to drive results. Founded in 1952, Dix & Eaton is the largest employee-owned firm of its kind in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.dix-eaton.com/.
About Agilysys, Inc.
Agilysys is a leading provider of innovative IT solutions to corporate and public-sector customers, with special expertise in select markets, including retail and hospitality. The company uses technology -- including hardware, software and services -- to help customers resolve their most complicated IT needs. The company possesses expertise in enterprise architecture and high availability, infrastructure optimization, storage and resource management, identity management and business continuity; and provides industry-specific software, services and expertise to the retail and hospitality markets. Headquartered in Cleveland, Agilysys operates extensively throughout North America, with additional sales and support offices in the United Kingdom and China. For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.
About Jones Day
Jones Day is an international law firm with 32 locations in centers of business and finance throughout the world. With more than 2,500 lawyers, including more than 400 in Europe, and 200 in Asia, it ranks among the world's largest law firms. Jones Day acts as principal outside counsel to, or provides significant legal representation for, more than half of the Fortune Global 500 companies.
About Georgeson Inc.
Georgeson Inc., a Computershare company, is the world's leading provider of strategic proxy and corporate governance advisory services to corporations and shareholder groups working to influence corporate strategy. For over half a century, Georgeson has specialized in complex solicitations such as hostile and friendly acquisitions, proxy contests and takeover defenses. In 2008, Georgeson was the No. 1 proxy solicitor for M&A transactions worldwide. The firm also provides issuers with expertise in corporate events solutions such as post-merger unexchanged holder programs and information agent services. For more information, visit www.georgeson.com.