June 29, 2015
British Columbia Securities Commission
Alberta Securities Commission
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
The Manitoba Securities Commission
Ontario Securities Commission
Autorité des marchés financiers
Superintendent of Securities, Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
Financial and Consumer Services Commission (New Brunswick)
Securities Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador
Superintendent of Securities, Yukon Territory
Superintendent of Securities, Northwest Territory
Superintendent of Securities, Nunavut
Dear Sirs/Mesdames:
Re: Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) Proposed Amendments to Multilateral Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and changes to National Policy 62-203 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to Multilateral Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids (MI 62-104) and changes to National Policy 62-203 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids (NP 62-203), (collectively, the Proposed Amendments), both of which were published for comment on March 31, 2015. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the CSA’s regulatory reform process and to contribute to these important developments.
Overall, we are supportive of the intent of the Proposed Amendments to allow issuers subject to an unsolicited bid time to adequately evaluate and consider competing proposals. In extending the period, however, a careful balance must be maintained to minimize the cost burdens and risk exposure for offerors. The 120 day period may act as a deterrent to offerors, providing disincentive for potential transactions that would otherwise enhance value.