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- BUSINESS, Page 45Business NotesTHE BOARDROOMA Very Un-British Coup
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- America's latest export to Britain may be the shareholder
- revolt. Last week angry institutional investors prompted the
- unceremonious ejection of Sir Roland Smith as chairman of
- British Aerospace. Smith had come under criticism for a
- lone-wolf management style and moves into such
- recession-vulnerable businesses as real estate and automaking.
- As profits went into a tailspin during the past six months,
- Smith sought to raise fresh funds with a new stock issue. But
- word leaked to the press, and shareholders feared a dilution of
- their stock. The investor backlash inspired the company's board
- to dump Smith. Such quick response to shareholder unrest is
- unusual in Britain but catching on fast. Still, Smith will be
- paid more than $500,000 a year until mid-1993. Some American
- traditions are less unpleasant than others.
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