BCLP

A major shift in the shareholder proposal landscape could be on the horizon. https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/sec-proposes-to-rescind-rule-14a-8-and-streamline-proxy-solicitation-procedural-requirements.html?utm_campaign=transactions-insight&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=bclp-post

The SEC has proposed rescinding Rule 14a 8, which has governed shareholder proposals for decades, potentially shifting greater responsibility to state law and company governing documents. The SEC also proposed changes designed to modernize proxy solicitation requirements.

If adopted, the changes could have significant implications for public companies, shareholders and activists, including greater reliance on independent solicitations and increased focus on corporate governing documents.

BCLP’s Randall Wang and William Cole examine the proposals, their potential impact and key considerations for public companies.

Read the full insight at the link.

What do tougher workplace harassment laws mean for UK employers? https://bit.ly/4yUOUAg

BCLP Partner Caroline Noblet shared her perspective with HR Magazine on the upcoming changes and the key considerations for employers.

From October 30, employers will face strengthened obligations to prevent sexual harassment, as well as new liability for harassment by third parties. Caroline highlights the importance of taking a proactive approach to risk assessments, training, reporting procedures and workplace policies.

Read the full article at the link.

BCLP is honored to have been recognized for two Deal of the Year awards at the 17th Annual International M&A Awards:
• Energy Deal of the Year for advising Terrestrial Energy on its business combination with HCM II Acquisition Corp., and
• Consumer Discretionary Deal of the Year for advising Industrial Realty Group on its take-private transaction involving Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company.

We are proud to have represented our clients on these landmark deals, and we are grateful to them for the opportunity to do so.

Congratulations to our exceptional colleagues, including partners Amy Wilson, Eliot Robinson, Tyler Mark, Sarah Kaehler, Todd Kaye, Ofir Klein, Rick Miller, and Jonathan Nesher, whose work contributed to these award-winning transactions. Sarah Kaehler and Jonathan Nesher accepted the awards on behalf of BCLP.

Read more about these award-winning deals at
https://bit.ly/4dw4MAQ

Battery storage developers in the UK could soon face new costs to keep their place in the grid connections queue. https://bit.ly/3TgQNrU

Ofgem has proposed a new commitment fee aimed at reducing the number of projects in the queue that may not ultimately move forward. The fee would start at £3,000/MW and could increase over time if oversubscription continues.

For developers and investors, the proposal could mean higher financial commitments and greater pressure to assess project viability sooner.

With the consultation closing October 1, 2026, now is the time to understand what the changes could mean for projects in the pipeline.

Read BCLP’s analysis of the proposal and the key considerations for the battery storage market at the link.

Could account transfer locks become the next line of defense against financial fraud? https://bit.ly/4rmGWgC

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden are urging the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to require brokerage firms to give customers the ability to lock their accounts, adding another safeguard against unauthorized transfers.

BCLP Partner Emmet Ong spoke with PlanSponsor about what the proposal could mean for the brokerage industry and steps firms can consider now, even before any potential FINRA rule is introduced.

Read more about the proposal and Emmet’s perspective at the link.

In a recent Law360 article, BCLP's Mark Paskar, Steve Trubac, and Jazmyn Adams, Esq. analyze the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board's decision in Nike Inc. v. Blue Ribbon Team LLC and the important lessons it offers trademark applicants. https://bit.ly/4xxzTTP

The decision, though non-precedential, reiterates and underscores that intent-to-use applications cannot be premised on a mere intent to reserve rights in a mark. Applicants should be prepared to show that they had a clear, demonstrable intent to use the mark at the time of filing, as gaps in preparation may prove costly if a challenge arises.

The authors explore why preparation and timing matter, along with practical considerations for protecting trademark rights and avoiding common filing mistakes.

Read the full article at the link.

Green claims are under the microscope. Is your business ready? https://bit.ly/4ApJFu4

A new era of greenwashing enforcement is taking shape across Europe, with the EU's Green Transition Directive coming into effect on September 27, 2026.

Businesses face increasing scrutiny over environmental claims, particularly those related to:
🟧 Carbon neutrality
🟧 Generic sustainability messaging
🟧 Future environmental commitments

Recent enforcement actions in France and growing regulatory focus across the EU and UK signal a clear trend: environmental claims must be supported by robust evidence, clear disclosures, and credible action plans.

Organizations should take a close look at how environmental messages appear across websites, advertising, packaging, and third-party channels to ensure consistency and compliance.

Read our full insight at the link.

The UK's electricity transmission network is entering a new era of competition. https://bit.ly/4xvP8g0

Ofgem's latest consultation on the proposed Competitively Appointed Transmission Owner (CATO) regime gives investors, developers, and funders an opportunity to help shape the framework for new onshore transmission projects.

The draft license builds on the established OFTO model while introducing new requirements around construction phase security, cost adjustments, and refinancing. With the first CATO tender expected in 2027 and approximately £89 billion of recommended transmission investment beyond 2030, the consultation marks a significant milestone for the UK's energy transition.

Read BCLP's latest analysis to explore the key proposals and what they could mean for the future of UK energy infrastructure.

BCLP has been recognized with five honors at the Prestigious Annual International Tax Review (ITR) Awards 2026, reflecting the strength of our tax team and the impact of their work for clients.

The firm has been named:
• UK Real Estate Tax Firm of the Year
• UK Indirect Tax Law Firm of the Year

Individual awards were also awarded to:
• Elizabeth Bradley, Tax Lawyer of the Year
• Andy West, Indirect Tax Lawyer Rising Star

In addition, BCLP was recognized for Impact Deal of the Year for The Crown Estate & Lendlease £24bn landmark joint venture.

We are proud of this recognition and grateful to our clients and colleagues whose trust and collaboration make achievements like these possible.