Okapi Partners LLC, a leading firm in proxy solicitation and investor response, has announced the expansion of its London operations. This strategic decision comes as a direct response to the growing global demand for a range of strategic services aimed at both companies and investors. These services include proxy solicitation, reactive stock monitoring, shareholder activism services, and corporate governance consulting.
As part of this expansion initiative, CEO Christian Jacques will be relocating to London. His leadership is expected to significantly enhance Okapi Partners' capability to address the complexities surrounding corporate governance and investor relations in an evolving landscape.
The London office was established roughly two years ago following a strategic partnership with Investor Update Ltd, a London-based leader in investor relations and consulting. Since its inception, the office has been actively involved in various transactions, investor outreach, proxy contests, governance consulting, and defense against shareholder activism campaigns. This expansion aligns with Okapi Partners’ commitment to strengthening its presence in Europe while providing improved services to activist investors and client companies confronting intricate governance challenges.
Christian Jacques, who is fluent in French, will not only manage the London office but will also play a pivotal role in driving Okapi Partners’ growth in France and across Europe. His appointment has been highly anticipated, with co-founder and Managing Principal Patrick McHugh expressing enthusiasm about Jacques' involvement. "I am delighted that Christian is joining the Okapi Partners team in London to further advance the successful launch of our office and the European proxy solicitation business. This reflects our ongoing commitment to enhance our services to clients in a rapidly changing corporate governance environment," stated McHugh.
Okapi Partners is frequently recognized among the top proxy solicitation firms in the U.S. and globally by organizations like Bloomberg and Diligent. The physical expansion into Europe is seen as a strategic move that will enable the firm to better serve corporate clients and institutional investors in an increasingly complex global governance landscape, particularly in Europe, Japan, and other significant markets in Asia.
Tony Quinn, Managing Principal and Head of the London Office, highlighted Jacques' strong network within the hedge fund and activist communities. "Since joining Okapi Partners, Christian has fostered valuable relationships, earning high regard from clients for his expertise in mergers, tender offers, activist campaigns, and shareholder information analysis. I am excited to welcome him aboard as we expand our team in London."
Overall, the expansion of Okapi Partners’ London office symbolizes a strategic initiative to enhance their operational reach, reflecting the firm’s commitment to delivering unparalleled services in proxy solicitation and investor relations. As they move forward, clients can expect a more nuanced, responsive approach to the evolving demands of corporate governance and stakeholder engagement across Europe and beyond.
About Okapi Partners LLC
Founded in 2008, Okapi Partners is a leader in strategic proxy solicitation and investor response, offering a comprehensive suite of solicitation and informational agent services. They provide support for M&A transactions, activism-related strategies, corporate governance advisory, business intelligence, and ESG consulting. Representing companies, institutional investors, investment managers, private equity firms, and hedge funds, Okapi Partners delivers top-tier intellectual capital, industry relationships, and execution capabilities. For more information, visit
www.okapipartners.com.