NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

Boku Inc. has announced an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on September 11, 2024, to seek shareholder approval for a new executive share plan. The plan, designed to reward exceptional performance, will grant restricted share units to the executive team, with vesting conditions tied to the company's stock price performance over the next several years. Shareholders can participate in the EGM via teleconference and are encouraged to submit questions in advance, with further details available on the company's website.

Fast fashion giant Shein is considering an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, potentially valuing the company at $66 billion (£51.7 billion). Known for its cheap clothes and social media campaigns, Shein has faced criticism over environmental practices and labor conditions. The company, which may file the necessary paperwork this week, is seeking a UK listing after encountering regulatory hurdles in the US, aiming to boost its green credentials and expand its resale platform to the UK and Germany.

L’Oréal has launched its fourth Employee Share Ownership Plan, allowing employees in 63 countries to purchase shares and participate in the company's growth. The plan, introduced in 2018, has seen over 37,000 employees participate, reflecting their commitment and confidence in L’Oréal's future. Employees can buy shares at a discounted price with an employer contribution, and the shares will be blocked for five years, with the subscription period running from 5 June to 19 June 2024.

Vox reported that OpenAI pressured departing employees to sign restrictive exit documents by threatening to withhold vested equity, a practice uncommon in Silicon Valley. Despite claims of ignorance by OpenAI leadership, internal documents suggest key executives, including CEO Sam Altman, were aware of these provisions. Following backlash, OpenAI has apologized and committed to changing their policies, including removing nondisparagement clauses and ensuring former employees' equity rights are respected.