September 2, 2015
Dr. van der Krans, widely recognized as one of the leading European experts on corporate governance and shareholder litigation, has joined BLB&G as Senior Advisor for European Investor Relations. In his former capacity he represented the lead plaintiff in four US class and private actions and was actively involved in European legal actions which sought to recover losses, improve corporate governance, and deter misconduct. Mr. van der Krans' responsibilities include counseling European institutional investors on developing and implementing shareholder litigation policies (frequently as part of investor ESG policies), and advising on pending securities fraud and corporate governance litigations.
"We are pleased that Anatoli is joining our efforts to assist our European clients. His direct knowledge of institutional investor needs and his shareholder litigation experience from the investor's perspective will be invaluable. Anatoli's appointment underscores BLBG's long-term dedication to protect the interests of European investors," announced partner Jeroen van Kwawegen on Dr. van der Krans' appointment.
"I am very much looking forward to my new role at BLB&G, a law firm that is so committed to serving institutional investors. The firm's track record of success in representing clients in complex securities and corporate governance litigation is unparalleled, and its efforts on behalf of institutional investors have impacted the financial market in positive and meaningful ways," commented Dr. van der Krans. "I am joining BLB&G at a very interesting time. Investor codes call for increased active ownership, and while most European institutional investors vote and engage, many investors do not yet fully use the instrument of shareholder litigation. I'm confident that BLB&G's experience and forward-thinking, consistent approach will be very valuable to European investors looking to further improve their engagement and litigation approach."
Dr. van der Krans received a doctorate in law from the Utrecht University based on his research and publications concerning the virtual meeting of shareholders. Before joining BLB&G, Dr. van der Krans was Senior Corporate Governance Advisor at MN Services (an investment manager with over EUR 92 billion in managed assets) and responsible for MN's shareholder litigation and active ownership and engagement programme. Prior to joining MN, he was an attorney at a major Dutch law firm specialising in corporate and securities law.