Nasdaq And NYSE MKT Voting Rights Rules
In a series of blogs, I detailed Nasdaq and NYSE American rules requiring listed companies to receive shareholder approval in particular instances, including prior to the issuance of certain securities. In particular, Nasdaq Rule 5635 sets forth the circumstances under which shareholder approval is required prior to an issuance of securities in connection with: (i) the acquisition of the stock or assets of another company (see HERE); (ii) equity-based compensation of officers, directors, employees or consultants (see HERE); (iii) a change of control (see HERE); and (iv) transactions other than public offerings (see HERE). NYSE American Company Guide Sections 711, 712 and 713 have substantially similar provisions.
Each of these rules necessarily interacts with the Exchanges’ rules and policies related to voting rights.
Nasdaq Rule 5640 provides that “[V]oting rights of existing Shareholders of publicly traded common stock registered under Section 12 of the Act cannot be disparately reduced or restricted through any corporate action or
