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Ancora ratings in Norfolk Southern proxy battle with Glass Lewis recommendation

Ancora Holdings scored a triumph in its battle with Norfolk Southern on Monday when proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis suggested investors in the train change its CEO and others with six of the activist investor's. board director prospects.

Glass Lewis stated that CEO Alan Shaw and other long-serving. directors carry much of the blame for Norfolk Southern's. underperformance which it is time for a board shake-up.

Ancora has presented a compelling case for supporting a. substantial overhaul of the Business's current management, said. the Glass Lewis report, which was seen .

Ancora is seeking to replace Shaw with Jim Barber, a former. United Parcel Service executive, who Glass Lewis said. had engaging qualifications. It advised investors. keep assistance from Shaw.

Norfolk has rejected all of Ancora's nominees stating they. would not bring fresh skills or experience, but proposed strategies. in February to include two new directors to its board.

Glass Lewis and its larger rival, Institutional. Investor Services (ISS), can assist direct investors on how to vote. in board elections and mergers among other issues.

ISS has not yet made its recommendation.

The proxy fight is one of the year's most fiercely contested. board obstacles and will be decided at the train's May 9. annual conference unless the 2 sides reach an arrangement first.

The train has actually been slammed for derailments and Glass. Lewis said it can make improvements in it is workplace security. culture. A number of unions have actually publicly backed Ancora's bid.

Norfolk on Monday objected to the Glass Lewis recommendation.

The flawed report overlooks the truth that Norfolk. Southern's board has actually been an agent of change to advance. shareholders' interests, performed significant corporate. governance improvements, and directed transformational. efforts that continue to improve security and operational. efficiency, the company stated.

Ancora said it appreciated the Glass Lewis report.

U.S. steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs, a Norfolk. consumer, also backs Ancora, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday.

(source: Reuters)