Steven Davidoff Solomon

Contested sale of ExamWorks could put lawyers in line of fire

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, July 12, 2016

In the past, when questions came up about how a sale was run, the lawyers largely avoided the line of fire. The ExamWorks case, however, threatens to open up the floodgates, exposing lawyers to the same type of conflict liability and heat that investment bankers are under.

Lawsuit aims at Jeffrey Katzenberg and his dual-class shares

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, July 8, 2016

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System in Michigan, looks at Mr. Katzenberg’s ownership of DreamWorks, which has dual-class stock. … Mr. Katzenberg owns all of the Class B stock. Together with his Class A shares, he has 60 percent of the vote for DreamWorks despite owning only 11.5 percent of the total outstanding shares.

Another Hershey deal may come unwrapped. Maybe it should.

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, July 5, 2016

The success of Mondelez International’s $23 billion bid for the Hershey Company will depend on the charitable trust that controls the chocolate bar maker. After the Viacom imbroglio, this is yet another example of how a controlling interest can see to it that economics are secondary to politics and relationships.

Palantir buyback plan shows need for new Silicon Valley pay system

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, June 28, 2016

Whatever the reason, Palantir’s offer comes at a time of great debate in Silicon Valley over employee compensation. Traditionally, workers received options on a four-year vesting schedule. When they left a company, they would have 90 days to exercise those options or forfeit them.

Hearing shows little is known on who controls Viacom

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, June 24, 2016

Wednesday’s Delaware court hearing on whether Sumner M. Redstone’s National Amusements appropriately removed five Viacom directors highlights that not only will this matter drag on, but that investors still know very little about the arrangements governing Viacom and CBS.

Tesla’s plan to buy SolarCity has major flaws

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, June 22, 2016

Given the troubles of SolarCity, the appearance is that Mr. Musk is bailing SolarCity out while profiting handsomely. He will be paid a premium by Tesla for a company in which he is the biggest shareholder, one that the market at least views as outside the business of Tesla.

Law school a solid investment, despite pay discrepancies

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, June 21, 2016

Associate salaries at big law firms are on the rise, and that news has brought a predictable but undeserved fresh round of law school bashing. Instead, let’s just accept that this is a world of haves and have-nots. Top law graduates are doing better than ever, while other law students have a steeper path to climb to earn that type of money.

The global stakes of a Saudi Aramco I.P.O.

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, June 14, 2016

If it decides to list only on the home country exchange, it will be a conservative choice with minimal impact. But if it seeks a listing in New York, London or Hong Kong, it could be revolutionary.