Latest news with #WesHall
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Kingsdale Advisors Ranked #1 in Canada by Bloomberg and LSEG Activism League Tables, Among Top 10 Globally
Delivers 100% Win Rate for Clients in Special Situations During 2025 Proxy Season Advised Over C$22 Billion in Successful M&A Transactions Year-To-Date Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2025) - Kingsdale Advisors, North America's trusted strategic shareholder and governance advisory firm for over two decades, has been ranked the No. 1 Canadian proxy solicitor (company side) by both the Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables and the LSEG Shareholder Activism League Tables. Globally, Kingsdale ranked #9 on Bloomberg's list and #4 on LSEG's for H1 2025. During the 2025 proxy season, Kingsdale achieved a perfect track record, delivering a 100 percent win rate for clients navigating shareholder activism and other special situations. The firm also advised on more than C$22 billion in shareholder approved or completed M&A transactions year-to-date, playing a lead role in several market-shaping deals. Wes Hall, Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, who returned as CEO at the start of the 2025 proxy season, said, "This recognition reflects the strength of our talent, the trust of our clients and our unwavering commitment to delivering results when it matters most. We've stayed focused through challenges and delivered. I want to thank our clients for their vote of confidence. We are proud of what we've achieved and even more confident in where we're headed." Significant M&A transactions advised on by Kingsdale include: Parkland Corp.'s transaction with Sunoco LP MAG Silver Corp.'s acquisition by Pan American Silver Corp. MDA Space's acquisition of SatixFy Communications Ltd. National Bank of Canada's acquisition of Canadian Western Bank Gatos Silver Inc.'s merger with First Majestic Silver Corp. Payfare Inc.'s acquisition by Fiserv Inc. Kingsdale also guided multiple issuers through complex corporate actions, including activist defence, governance transitions and contested situations, ensuring strategic execution and client satisfaction throughout. This included securing noteholder approval of the CBCA Transaction to extend debt maturities and strengthen Sherritt International's capital structure, while successfully defending the issuer against shareholder activism. "Our perfect record this proxy season is a direct result of the trust placed in us by boards and CEOs during high-stakes moments," said Aaron Boles, President, Kingsdale Advisors. "Our team has once again demonstrated its strength in delivering strategic clarity, deep governance expertise and precision shareholder engagement to business leaders navigating critical decisions." Issuers who want to join Kingsdale's winning client roster or learn how the firm can assist with your strategic shareholder engagement and governance needs, please email strategy@ for a confidential consultation. About Kingsdale Advisors As the leading advisor to public companies on shareholder, governance and transaction-related matters, Kingsdale Advisors has been at the centre of many of the largest and most high-profile proxy fights, M&A transactions and special situations across North America. Headquartered in Canada, with a significant presence in the United States, the firm delivers a multidisciplinary offering spanning strategic and defensive advisory, governance advisory, compensation advisory, strategic communications, and voting analytics.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kingsdale Advisors Ranked #1 in Canada by Bloomberg and LSEG Activism League Tables, Among Top 10 Globally
Delivers 100% Win Rate for Clients in Special Situations During 2025 Proxy Season Advised Over C$22 Billion in Successful M&A Transactions Year-To-Date Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2025) - Kingsdale Advisors, North America's trusted strategic shareholder and governance advisory firm for over two decades, has been ranked the No. 1 Canadian proxy solicitor (company side) by both the Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables and the LSEG Shareholder Activism League Tables. Globally, Kingsdale ranked #9 on Bloomberg's list and #4 on LSEG's for H1 2025. During the 2025 proxy season, Kingsdale achieved a perfect track record, delivering a 100 percent win rate for clients navigating shareholder activism and other special situations. The firm also advised on more than C$22 billion in shareholder approved or completed M&A transactions year-to-date, playing a lead role in several market-shaping deals. Wes Hall, Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, who returned as CEO at the start of the 2025 proxy season, said, "This recognition reflects the strength of our talent, the trust of our clients and our unwavering commitment to delivering results when it matters most. We've stayed focused through challenges and delivered. I want to thank our clients for their vote of confidence. We are proud of what we've achieved and even more confident in where we're headed." Significant M&A transactions advised on by Kingsdale include: Parkland Corp.'s transaction with Sunoco LP MAG Silver Corp.'s acquisition by Pan American Silver Corp. MDA Space's acquisition of SatixFy Communications Ltd. National Bank of Canada's acquisition of Canadian Western Bank Gatos Silver Inc.'s merger with First Majestic Silver Corp. Payfare Inc.'s acquisition by Fiserv Inc. Kingsdale also guided multiple issuers through complex corporate actions, including activist defence, governance transitions and contested situations, ensuring strategic execution and client satisfaction throughout. This included securing noteholder approval of the CBCA Transaction to extend debt maturities and strengthen Sherritt International's capital structure, while successfully defending the issuer against shareholder activism. "Our perfect record this proxy season is a direct result of the trust placed in us by boards and CEOs during high-stakes moments," said Aaron Boles, President, Kingsdale Advisors. "Our team has once again demonstrated its strength in delivering strategic clarity, deep governance expertise and precision shareholder engagement to business leaders navigating critical decisions." Issuers who want to join Kingsdale's winning client roster or learn how the firm can assist with your strategic shareholder engagement and governance needs, please email strategy@ for a confidential consultation. About Kingsdale AdvisorsAs the leading advisor to public companies on shareholder, governance and transaction-related matters, Kingsdale Advisors has been at the centre of many of the largest and most high-profile proxy fights, M&A transactions and special situations across North America. Headquartered in Canada, with a significant presence in the United States, the firm delivers a multidisciplinary offering spanning strategic and defensive advisory, governance advisory, compensation advisory, strategic communications, and voting analytics. For further information, please contact:Aquin GeorgeHead of Marketing and CommunicationsKingsdale AdvisorsTel: 416-644-4031Email: ageorge@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BlackNorth Initiative Marks 5 Years of Impact in Canada's Fight Against Systemic Anti-Black Racism
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks a milestone in Canada's journey toward racial equity. The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) celebrates five years since launching the country's largest corporate movement to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism. Since July 2020, more than 500 organizations have signed the BlackNorth Pledge—committing to bold, measurable actions that reimagine leadership, drive economic inclusion, and shift power across sectors. Five Years of Measurable Progress: 3.3% Black board representation among TSX-listed BNI signatories—up from under 1% in 2020 (DI-FSC State of Black Economics Report, 2025) Secured over $6 million in home value for 12 new homeowners—comprising 42 families members, including children—who have embarked on a journey toward generational wealth and long-term housing equity. Close to $2 million in scholarships and bursaries awarded to Black students 434 Black entrepreneurs supported through the BlackNorth B.E.G.I.N. entrepreneurship program Thousands of Black professionals and students connected to mentorships, scholarships, and job opportunities through BlackNorth Connect "This was never about optics. It has always been about transformation. About shifting power, dismantling the barriers that hold Black Canadians back, and rewriting the rules of who gets to lead and thrive. The last five years have shown that change is possible when courage meets commitment. Advancing equity is not just the right thing to do. It is smart, strategic business. Diverse companies outperform because they reflect the real world. With Pledge 2.0, we are raising the bar and calling on a new generation of leaders to match intention with action and turn promises into progress." Wes Hall, Founder and Chairman, BlackNorth Initiative "We did not start a moment. We built a movement. A movement anchored in truth, driven by community, and measured by real, lasting impact. From day one, our mission was clear: to confront systemic anti-Black racism not with platitudes, but with a new model of shared responsibility and bold action. Today, we honour the progress we have made, but we do so with clear eyes, knowing the road ahead still demands urgency, courage, and collective will. We owe it to the Black communities who entrusted us with their hopes, and to the Canada we believe is possible, to keep pushing forward with relentless resolve." Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, BlackNorth Initiative Looking Ahead: Pledge 2.0 Building on the foundation of the original pledge, Pledge 2.0 will serve as a refreshed roadmap for inclusive leadership across Canada. It introduces: Updated and measurable equity commitments Enhanced onboarding and progress reporting tools A stronger focus on accountability, with annual surveys and transparent impact tracking Designed with community consultation and stakeholder feedback, Pledge 2.0 ensures that organizations not only make commitments—but are equipped to meet them. For current signatories, this is the moment to reaffirm your role in this shared journey. For those not yet part of this movement, the time to step forward is now. The BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians. We envision a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism no longer exists. For more information, visit: and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.
Toronto Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
In a world of symbolic gestures, we challenged Canada to be better. Here's how we did
By Wes Hall and Dahabo Ahmed Omer, Contributors Wes Hall is the founder and chairman of the BlackNorth Initiative and founder & CEO of Kingsdale Advisors & Executive Chairman & Founder of WeShall Investments. Dahabo Ahmed Omer is the CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative. Five years ago, the world changed — and so did we. In the wake of George Floyd's murder and a global reckoning on racial injustice, we chose to act. In July 2020, more than 500 organizations across Canada joined us to say enough is enough: enough of looking the other way, and enough of a system that too often overlooks or sidelines Black Canadians while claiming to support progress. Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
Globe and Mail
15-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Kingsdale Advisors Publishes Early 2025 Proxy Season Insights Amid Rising Market Volatility
Report offers early analysis of how Canada's 2025 proxy season is unfolding through a corporate governance lens Highlights include data and insights on emerging trends, shareholder proposals and shareholder activism shaping boardroom dynamics "Early Insights: 2025 Proxy Season (Canada)" is now available for download here To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2025) - Kingsdale Advisors, the strategic shareholder and governance advisory firm trusted by business leaders for 22 years, has released a new report offering an early look into the 2025 proxy season in Canada. Titled " Early Insights: 2025 Proxy Season (Canada)", the timely report comes amid heightened market volatility, global tariff tensions and a growing demand for strategic clarity. Kingsdale has made the report publicly available - sharing corporate governance insights that are normally behind closed doors - to help boards and executives navigate a more unpredictable proxy season. Wes Hall, Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, said, "We're seeing a perfect storm of market pressure, a shifting regulatory landscape and political influence reshaping how boards operate and how shareholders engage. Activists are not slowing down. Many are engaging privately and shaping outcomes behind the scenes." "Canadian companies should take a hard look at their proxy voting and engagement frameworks, especially as investor meetings yield less detailed feedback. Proactive and strategic communication with proxy advisors and shareholders, with a focus on how investors vote versus what they say, is more critical than ever before as scrutiny intensifies," added Hall. Key findings from the report include: Minimal guidelines, rising expectations: While both ISS and Glass Lewis made only modest updates to their proxy voting guidelines for Canadian companies in 2025, expectations around board diversity, transparency, and AI oversight continue to intensify - especially in the face of global economic uncertainty. Cross-border complexity: U.S. political developments are having ripple effects. Following President Trump's January 2025 executive orders to dismantle DEI programs, some U.S. institutional investors have scaled back stewardship efforts. ISS has paused its board diversity policy for U.S. companies, while Glass Lewis has reaffirmed its commitment. Canadian companies with U.S. operations or listings now face conflicting expectations and evolving regulatory risks. Shareholder activism gaining momentum: Kingsdale has tracked 36 shareholder activist campaigns in the 2025 proxy season, nearly matching the four-year average by the end of March. Over half of these are board-related, where activists have either proposed alternative director slates or launched Withhold or 'Vote No' campaigns. Heightened Investor Engagement: There has been a surge in shareholder engagement this proxy season, as Canadian banks and Quebec-based companies continue to receive the most shareholder proposals. Notably, Toronto-Dominion Bank has received 11 shareholder proposals, with some focus on governance and oversight in response to the bank's anti-money laundering challenges. Shareholder dialogue reshaped by U.S. SEC guidance: New SEC rules introduced in February indicate that certain interactions, even those by passive investors, might be construed as attempts to influence or control a company. This has created uncertainty and led to a reduction in engagement activities during the 2025 proxy season, which spans July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Several large U.S. investors, including BlackRock and State Street, have adopted a "listen-only" approach during engagements. Additional themes explored in the report include expectations for board oversight of artificial intelligence, trends in director opposition, and an analysis of the growing volume and complexity of shareholder proposals. As macroeconomic headwinds continue to challenge corporate growth strategies, Kingsdale's report offers timely, practical insights for boards and executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE: "Early Insights: 2025 Proxy Season (Canada)" To receive governance insights tailored to your board's needs, email strategy@ About Kingsdale Advisors With offices in Toronto, Calgary and New York, Kingsdale Advisors is the leading advisor to public companies on all shareholder, governance, and transaction-related matters, having acted on the largest and highest profile proxy fights, transactions, and other special situations. For 22 years, public companies across North America have looked to the expertise of Kingsdale Advisors to secure the success of transactions or resolutions driven by shareholder votes. Trusted by business leaders for over two decades, Kingsdale Advisors boasts a multidisciplinary team offering an array of specialized services focused on strategic and defensive advisory, governance advisory, compensation advisory, strategic communications, and voting analytics. For further information, please contact:
