Key Points:
A proxy-handling facility can be a useful tool when trying
to gather votes for a general meeting.
Proxy battles are increasingly a feature of the Australian
corporate landscape.
An important element in any proxy battle is intelligence: in
whose favour are the proxies flowing? That information will show
how the members are reacting to the public relations campaigns
being waged by the various parties. This allows the campaign
messages to be finetuned.
Traditionally, the proxy count has been the preserve of the
company itself. Occasionally the company may let the media know how
the proxies are stacking up, but it is more common for the first
public information about the proxies to be released by the chairman
during the meeting itself.
