ShareSoc in the News

This page lists references to ShareSoc in the press and broadcast media.

Professional Adviser, 02 April 2025, Hargreaves Lansdown clients get more time to vote on Aviva shares after delay

ShareSoc policy committee member Cliff Weight is quoted in this article regarding the proposed cancellation of Aviva irredeemable preference shares. The quotes are based on Cliff's original article on ShareSoc's blog.

The Times, 13 March 2025, Mike Ashley-advised Hornby to quit London stock exchange

ShareSoc director Mark Bentley is quoted extensively in this article: However, Mark Bentley, a director at ShareSoc, a group that campaigns for the interests of small shareholders, called Hornby’s proposal to delist as “a kick in the teeth”. “Back in 2020, Hornby raised £15 million, placing shares at 36p so they took advantage of the Aim market as did other companies which have delisted,” Bentley said. “They used it to raise capital for the business and now they are basically kicking the shareholders ...

This is Money, 17 February 2025, You’re selfish and wasteful, investors tell US raider Weinstein

Amongst widespread criticism of Saba Capital for its initial backdoor takeover gambit, unsubstantiated claims and continual rounds of proposals to UK investment trusts. In a Daily Mail article published on 17th February, ShareSoc director Amit Vedhara described Saba’s repeated bids as “entirely selfish and wasteful of cash, management resources and every other investors' time." ShareSoc believes that Saba planned poorly and executed worse, even if this saga has had the benefit of waking up Trust Boards. Click here to read the article.

This is Money, 01 February 2025, Trusts facing fight to death with hedge fund vulture

ShareSoc has condemned investment platforms for restricting shareholder voting rights amid hedge fund manager Boaz Weinstein’s bid to take control of several UK investment trusts. Weinstein’s Saba Capital is pushing to replace boards at trusts such as Baillie Gifford US Growth and Keystone Positive Change, but small investors could block his plans if they turn out in force. Some platforms initially prevented investors from voting, with Lloyds Bank reversing its stance after media pressure. BNY Pershing has also sparked outrage by ...

This is Money, 27 January 2025, Lloyds blocks votes on trust board shake-up: Fury over ‘dereliction of duty’ by Scottish Widows amid fears US raider Saba could be victorious

ShareSoc director Amit Vedhara was quoted in an article by This is Money after Scottish Widows and two other investment platforms owned by Lloyds Bank blocked shareholders from voting on plans to oust the boards of seven London-listed investment trusts. Click here to read the article.

CityWire, 16 January 2025, Saba showdown: Don’t miss your voting deadline

ShareSoc is heavily mentioned and Director, Mark Northway extensively quoted in an article highlighting that there are real issues with Saba Capital's proposals. Friday 17th January was the last day for online voting on Herald, but the 6 others have slightly longer to go. Platforms are making it easier for shareholders to vote, usually via Corporate Actions links/pages. Click here to read the article.

The Herald, 16 January 2025, Herald reports on Saba attack – quotes ShareSoc

Tom Slater, partner at Baillie Gifford, tells the Herald why it is essential for shareholders in USA, KPC and EWI to vote on the Saba resolutions. The article refers to ShareSoc's press release and the organisation's governance concerns. Click here to read the article.

Investment Week, 05 December 2024, ShareSoc endorses RGL’s Woodford lawsuit against Hargreaves Lansdown

ShareSoc's endorsement of RGL's Woodford lawsuit against Hargreaves Lansdown was featured on Investment Week. Click here to read the article.

Financial Times, 25 October 2024, Investment apps: are they up to scratch?

ShareSoc was mentioned in the Financial Times in an article by Moira O'Neill about investment apps. Click here to read the article.

The Daily Mail, 11 September 2024, Royal Mail investors left baffled by takeover vote amid fears Czech Sphinx is buying on the cheap

ShareSoc is quoted in this article in the Daily Mail, regarding the proposed takeover of IDS (fka Royal Mail). We express our concerns over the lack of instructions for individual shareholders who hold their shares in nominee accounts. Click here to read the article.

Investors Chronicle, 19 June 2024, M&S still pushing shareholders to online AGM

ShareSoc director Mark Northway was quoted in an article by Val Cipriani (Investors Chronicle), commenting on M&S' approach to AGMs: Mark Northway, director of campaigning organisation ShareSoc, said the term digital-first was "unfortunate and less than friendly to individual investors", but added that this year's hybrid approach constitutes a step forward "from last year’s deplorable digital-only experiment". Click here to read the article.

Ignites Europe, 16 April 2024, Woodford collapse: MPs raise ‘serious concerns’ about FCA

ShareSoc was quoted in an article by Amie Keeley (Ignites Europe), questioning the FCA's decision not to take any enforcement action against Hargreaves Lansdown, the fund platform that heavily promoted Woodford Equity Income, or the fund's depositary, Northern Trust. Click here to read the article.