Its been quite a ride for Quindell (LSE: QPP) shareholders, after the insurance outsourcers shares plummeted as low as 24p after the ousting of founder Rob Terry who was already in hot water for selling off all his shares.
But with the search for a new chairman and an investigation into the companys accounting policies by PwC underway, theres been a rebound that took the bears by surprise. Helped by Toscafund Asset Management taking a 5% stake, the price spiked back to 107p by the close of play on Monday.
New chairman
Then on Tuesday we heard that Richard Rose is to be the new non-executive Chairman with Jim Sutcliffe joining as Strategy Director and Deputy Chairman and the share price lost 20% as a result during morning trading! So whats wrong now?
Well, the packages awarded to the new recruits have raised a few eyebrows and Quindells corporate governance is once again under scrutiny.
Between them, our two new heroes will be awarded nearly 20 million share options with exercise prices starting at 68.65p. Whats more, theres no long lock-in period 60% will vest as early as July 2015 with the rest vested before 12 months are up.
What governance code?
That flies in the face of the UKs Corporate Governance Code, which recommends that non-executive directors should not receive share options or other performance-related elements, and that any that are awarded should not be exercisable before three years.
The reasons are obvious it presents a potential conflict of interest between short-term gains for the directors and the long-term interests of shareholders, with clear implications for any board remuneration issues that might arise.
Still, the Code is only a guide to best practice, leaving Quindell free to raise a finger to it and do as it pleases even though Mr Sutcliffe sits on the committee overlooking the standards.
Oh, and Quindell will employ BaxterBruce Limited to provide consultancy services a company which counts none other than Jim Sutcliffe amongst its directors.
Exceptional circumstances
Some will say that Quindell is facing exceptional circumstances, and thats certainly true. But Mr Rose and Mr Sutcliffe really have nothing to lose. If theyre successful theyll trouser a fortune, and if not then the blame will most likely fall back on Rob Terry and the previous management.
Are you considering a punt on Quindell? I think youd be taking too big a risk buying ahead of the PwC report, which is now expected by the end of February. It might give the company a clean bill of health but I cant see Quindell surviving for long without a new rights issue myself.
Or if you prefer to avoid coronary-inducing shares like Quindell altogether, there’s a very simple approach to investing that can help you to long-term financial security.
To learn more, get yourself a copy of the Motley Fool’s special 7 Simple Steps For Seeking Serious Wealth report, which shows you how investing in shares has wiped the floor with every other form of investment over the past century and more.
It’s completely FREE, so click here for your personal copy and get started today.
Get FREE Issues of The Motley Fool Collective
Get straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock markets, direct to your inbox. Help yourself with our FREE email newsletter designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio wealth.
By providing your email address, you consent to receiving further information on our goods and services and those of our business partners. To opt-out of receiving this information click here. All information provided is governed by our Privacy Statement.
Alan Oscroft has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.