Pre-Emption Group appoints Simon Fraser as chair

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced that Simon Fraser has been appointed as the chair of the Pre-Emption Group (PEG).

According to the FRC, Fraser has been a longstanding member of the PEG and has a “long and distinguished” career in investment management and corporate roles, including his current role as chair of the Investor Forum.

The FRC acts as secretariat to the PEG, and its Statement of Principles provides guidance on the factors to be taken into account by companies and investors when considering the case for disapplying pre-emption rights.

On 1 April 2020 the PEG issued a recommendation for investors to consider applying additional flexibility to company requests regarding pre-emptive issuances. This additional flexibility was put in place on a temporary basis, and the PEG said it continues to “monitor the situation”.

Fraser said: “I am very pleased to be taking on the role of chair of the Pre-Emption Group. The rights of pre-emption are a cornerstone of the UK market.

“Safeguarding investor protections, whilst helping companies access the capital markets efficiently through this extremely difficult economic period, will continue to be a priority of the group.”

Jonathan Thompson, CEO of the FRC, said: “I am delighted that Simon Fraser has agreed to continue his involvement with the Pre-Emption Group, now as chair. The Pre-Emption Group’s statement on additional flexibility, offered on a temporary basis, has been well-received by the market.

“In the current economic circumstances, the Pre-Emption Group has an even more important role to play in supporting companies, but also ensuring that the important rights to which investors are committed continue to be upheld.”