Top 10 Issues Facing Corporate Boards: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Looks Ahead To 2010   |  December 9, 2009  

-- Commentary Available from BLG Lawyers --

TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ -What topics will be top of mind for C-level executives and corporate boards in 2010? BLG, Canada's largest law firm, anticipates the top 10 issues for corporate governance in 2010:

1) White collar crime crack down - the new legislation and changes to the Criminal Code will impact decision making at the C level.   

2) M&A opportunities - industries consolidation will accelerate as opportunities arise for distressed companies.    
   
3) Employee overtime claims - wireless and wired employee connectivity raises issues around overtime and compensation policies.

4)  Executive pay - the responsibilities of the boards are changing. How will compensation be calculated and disclosed; what voice will shareholders have?
    
5)  Climate change regulations - what companies need to know to prepare for Cap & Trade and carbon disclosure; the new opportunities from carbon trading regimes.
    
6)  The Business Judgement Rule - what it means to be a "responsible corporate citizen" and the impact of the BCE rule: the Directors'
fiduciary duty.
    
7)  Harmonized sales tax - what businesses need to do to prepare for July 1, 2010.
    
8)  Increased vulnerability to litigation - recent developments in Class Action law suits, what companies can do to prevent Class Actions.
    
9)  Foreign exchange volatility - the innovative trends in managing foreign exchange risks.
    
10) Poison pills - regulators give greater deference to boards/majority vote for the election of directors. How will takeovers be impacted?

Lawyers from BLG are available to discuss in greater detail the challenges that lie ahead as we proceed into 2010. Please contact us to schedule an interview.

For further information: or to schedule an interview, please contact: Ivan Ivanovitch, Ketchum Public Relations Canada (For BLG), Ivan.Ivanovitch@Ketchum.com, (416) 355-7431

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