On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued for public comment a rule proposal that, if adopted, would require reporting companies to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports filed with the SEC. Specifically, the proposed rules would require:

  1. A new section in annual reports and registration statements

On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued for public comment a rule proposal that, if adopted, would require reporting companies to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports filed with the SEC. Specifically, the proposed rules would require:

  1. A new section in annual reports and registration statements

On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued for public comment a rule proposal that, if adopted, would require reporting companies to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports filed with the SEC. Specifically, the proposed rules would require:

  1. A new section in annual reports and registration statements

The European Union’s Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulation, in force since March 2021, was the first effort made globally to regulate transparency on ESG in the asset management industry.

Similar rules are now being adopted all across the globe. This alert memorandum provides an updated snapshot.

Please click here to read the full alert memorandum.

In many ways, 2021 was a high-water mark for corporate activism. The levels of traditional shareholder activism rebounded from the lows reached during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. M&A activism increased substantially as shareholder activists sought to capitalize on the M&A boom. Large-cap activism returned as activists targeted Fortune 500 CEOs with increasing frequency. The year also saw the emergence of a new brand of ESG-themed shareholder activism in the wake of the Engine No. 1 activist campaign supported by CalPERS at ExxonMobil and the copycat ESG tactics deployed by other shareholder activists.
Continue Reading Navigating a World Where Almost Everyone Is an Activist

2021 was a historic year for mergers and acquisitions activity. While some reversion to the mean may be in store, we expect robust deal making to continue in 2022. As boards of directors and management teams seek opportunities in this competitive market, they will need to navigate a dynamic regulatory landscape and should expect investors and other stakeholders to focus on ESG metrics in the evaluation of M&A transactions to a greater extent than before.
Continue Reading M&A Outlook for 2022

With effect as from January 1, 2023, the German Supply Chain Act dated July 16, 2021 (Gesetz über die unternehmerischen Sorgfaltspflichten in Lieferketten – Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz) will enter into force.

Undertakings of a particular size shall take responsibility for, and implement diligence standards with respect to, human rights-related and environmental risks in supply chains.  An undertaking which is subject to the German Supply Chain Act, but not in compliance with the requirements stipulated thereunder, may face significant sanctions.
Continue Reading Germany Strengthens Corporate Social Responsibility in Supply Chains

Robust interest in ESG-related matters and growing demands from shareholders, regulators and various other stakeholders during 2021 have put management and boards of public companies firmly on notice that strong ESG policies, practices and commitments are key components to long-term organizational success, business resiliency and value creation.
Continue Reading Key Practices for Board Organization and Oversight of ESG

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) has received unprecedented support in the past year, and trends show that it is here to stay at the forefront of focus areas for corporations and key stakeholders alike.
Continue Reading Diversity Issues Remain at Center Stage, and the Show Is Just Getting Started

2021 was a pivotal year for European sustainability policy, caught in the implementation of an ambitious agenda. This is expected to continue throughout 2022, when new rules will be finalized and others will enter into force, requiring companies to increase sustainability-related disclosures and due diligence requirements to further the EU Green Deal’s climate transition plans. 
Continue Reading Sustainability Policy Remains Center Stage in Europe