Shareholders’ Rights and Shareholders’ Meeting
The Swiss Federal Council presented to parliament its dispatch for a reform of Swiss corporate law. The draft Act amending the Swiss Code of Obligations (Draft Act) seeks to modernize corporate governance by strengthening shareholder rights and promoting gender equality on corporate boards and senior management. It also replaces the provisions of the (interim) Ordinance on Excessive Compensation (Minder-Ordinance) by a federal act of parliament with only a few changes.
Several new Swiss laws and amendments have entered into force as of January 1 2014. For firms doing business in Switzerland, changes in executive compensation regulation, in reorganisation proceedings and in respect to redundancy plans are among the most important ones.
The Minder initiative
In Switzerland, the preceding year was char- acterised by animated discussion on executive compensation which resulted in two mile- stone decisions on national constitutional ref-
What are the options for companies in financial difficulty in Taiwan?
If the company is listed on the Taiwan stock exchange, then the company may pursue a formal reorganisation as set forth under Article 282 of the Company Act.
If a listed company (as referred to above) is unable to pursue reorganisation, and in respect of all other companies, a company will enter into a formal bankruptcy procedure under the Bankruptcy Act in order to implement an equitable and orderly repayment scheme amongst its creditors.
Year in Review – Thai Law in 2016
American and British directors of corporations should be mindful of the different standards of conduct, obligations, and potential personal liability when holding directorships in Turkish companies, particularly if such companies’ financial situation is deteriorating.
Starting from 22 September 2012, the beneficial owners (aka controllers), substantial shareholders, and senior executive officers of Ukrainian commercial banks could face personal financial liability for the insolvency of banks during liquidation.
Introduction:
In a recent landmark judgment dated 21 February 2016 the Dubai Court of First Instance decided in favour of a foreign shareholder, against a local Emirati, in a winding up petition. This is contrary to the long established protectionist trend employed by Courts in the United Arab Emirates. What is even more surprising is that the Court, in reaching its decision, has adopted a purposive approach, rather than simply applying the black letter of the law, as has traditionally been the case.
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