No two corporate actions are alike. As a transfer agent for many of the world's largest companies, EQ frequently handles high-profile corporate actions. With an average of 15+ years of transfer agency expertise, the knowledge of our Relationship Management team is second to none.
What is a corporate action?
A corporate action is any undertaking by an organization, public or private, that impacts your stock, the way it is traded, your bondholders or your shareholders. It can be as simple as paying a dividend, or as complex as a Reverse Morris Trust transaction. A complex corporate event would involve the exchange of securities, a new entity or the creation of a new shareholder base.
Any corporate action that involves a stock exchange requires a transfer agent, even if you don't currently have one. If two companies are involved, either company's transfer agent can be chosen to handle the corporate action.
Common types of corporate actions
- DeSPACs
- Mergers & acquisitions
- Recapitalizations
- Cash/stock elections
- Redomestications
- Initial & secondary public offerings
- Spin-offs
- Dutch auctions
- Tender offers
- Stock/cash exchanges
- Rights subscription offerings
- Warrant exercise
- Redemption
- Conversions emergence from bankruptcy
- Corporate rebranding
- Forward or reverse stock splits
Why a transfer agent is needed
With many moving parts, a high level of complexity and multiple entities involved, corporate actions can be stressful for everyone. Successful corporate actions require industry knowledge, excellent communication and perfect timing. Companies have one opportunity for a successful corporate action and if mistakes occur, there is little chance of starting over.
An experienced transfer agent can provide companies with their expertise throughout the entire transaction process. Working with an issuer’s legal and treasury teams, a transfer agent will keep all parties involved apprised of the fine details of the transaction, including the duties of each team, and the timing and steps of the processes involved. A transfer agent with vast industry knowledge can help companies learn and follow best practices for even the most complex corporate actions.
With over 5001 corporate actions performed annually, EQ’s Sales and Relationship Management teams work closely with client’s counsel to provide corporate actions process guidance and the best practices for even the most complex transactions.
Some challenges you may face in your complex corporate action include:
- Timing and meeting deadlines
- Unclear communication
- Setting proper expectations on timing
- A lack of clearly defined responsibilities can cause expensive delays
Clear communication plans as well as setting clear expectations with clients are essential components for a successful corporate action. Having a transfer agent to act as your single point of contact throughout the entire process of your transaction can decrease the likelihood of miscommunication as your company would be typically responsible for communicating with the multiple entities involved.
Six important things to consider:
1. No one-size-fits-all process
2. High level of complexity
3. Many entities are involved
4. Keeping everyone on the same page is critical
5. You have a choice in who handles the process
6. You have only one chance to get it right only
Why experience matters
A transfer agent that has a lot of experience with corporate actions is in the best position to facilitate the process and ensure a smooth transaction for you and your shareholders. The transfer agent acts as the conduit from the trading team (wherever your stock is traded, or not traded), to the settlement team at the DTC. An experienced transfer agent can seamlessly navigate each step of the complex process, by knowing who to talk to and when, and what is expected of each party. As your single point of contact, the transfer agent will handle communications for you, and certify that the timing of each step of your transaction is agreed upon by all entities involved, down to the day. At EQ, we assign a dedicated corporate actions Relationship Manager to work with our clients and their counsel to ensure a seamless transaction.
A transfer agent will guide you through the entire transaction
Your transfer agent is not just a facilitator, they're a trusted expert acting on your behalf. From up-front strategic thinking to back-office mailings, they should provide guidance, expertise and a disciplined approach to make sure nothing gets overlooked. In addition to strategic advice, the transfer agent assists with the vital functions of payments, reporting and mailings, including:
- Shareholder materials
- Shareholder communication
- Processing and mailing of proceeds
- Advice regarding communication with the Exchanges and settlement facilitators
- Tax reporting
- Post-merger services
- 24/7 Call Center Support
- Escheatment Services
Ensure your transaction goes smoothly and shareholder engagement remains strong by choosing the right team for your high-profile event. From our corporate actions team (averaging more than 15 years of experience) and our well-versed customer care representatives who respond to shareholder inquiries, your corporate actions event is in safe hands across all our functional teams.
1Based on EQ proprietary data
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