In a major related party transaction between Frank Stronach and Magna International Inc. in 2010, Stronach’s controlling class of multiple voting shares were cancelled with a payment to Stronach valued at approximately US$ 1 billion. The transaction was denounced and vigorously opposed by large Canadian pension and investment funds lead by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and CPP Investment Board. The challengers brought unsuccessful legal proceedings before the Ontario Securities Commission and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and filed a failed appeal to Ontario’s Divisional Court. Notwithstanding (i) the unprecedented purchase price paid to Stronach to eliminate his controlling Class B Shares, (ii) the lack of a favourable recommendation to shareholders from Magna’s Special Committee, Chaired by Mike Harris, or from Magna’s Board of Directors, (iii) the absence of any fairness opinion from the independent financial advisor retained by the Special Committee, and (iv) the strong public opposition to the transaction from certain large shareholders and others, the arrangement was approved by a 75% vote of holders of Magna’s unaffiliated Class A Shares, who bore the bulk of the price paid to eliminate Stronach’s control. Following the overwhelming approval of shareholders, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice sanctioned the transaction in a “fairness” hearing, and its judgment was unanimously upheld by the Divisional Court on appeal.

Full Document | Comments | Email This Post |  Print This Post

Dissatisfied with its partnership with the Wallace McCain family that had controlled Maple Leaf Foods Inc. since 1995, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan terminated the shareholders’ agreement and sold its 36% interest in Maple Leaf Foods in 2010. West Face Capital Inc., a hedge fund, acquired a 11.35% interest and publicly challenged the Wallace McCain family’s controlling influence over the Board of Directors. In the turmoil, it was disclosed for the first time that Purdy Crawford, the Lead Director, was also a director of McCain Capital Corporation, the private company owned by and through which the McCain family exercised its controlling influence over Maple Leaf Foods, and that Mr. Crawford had other relationships with the McCain family and Maple Leaf Foods. West Face Capital challenged the “independence” of Purdy Crawford as the Lead Director on the Board.

Full Document | Comments | Email This Post |  Print This Post