European Corporate Governance Research & Engagement Specialists ECGS Appoints Manifest as UK Governance Research & Analytics Partner

ECGS, the specialist pan-European governance and engagement firm has appointed Manifest information services Ltd (Manifest) to provide ECGS with customised research and vote guidance on UK and Ireland listed companies.

Starting in proxy season 2014, Manifest will provide ECGS with fully tailored governance and say on pay analysis and policy screening based on the ECGS policy.

In addition, ECGS voting advice and engagement services will also be able to leverage Manifest's award-winning vote agency and governance analytics solutions as ECGS research will be hosted alongside Manifests global coverage of 6,000 companies.

Commenting on the announcement, Manifest CEO Sarah Wilson said: We are delighted to be able to support ECGS mission for more informed stewardship and engagement. The ECGS partners have a highly respected track record and an immense wealth of knowledge of their local markets to support their approach.

Commenting on the announcement, Pierre-Henri Leroy, ECGS Managing Director, said : We have known Manifest for many years and appreciate the excellence of their technology and expertise : our common objective is to offer a broader expert coverage and, when needed, voting advice to investors in a world market in need for truly independent research.

About ECGS

Expert Corporate Governance Service Ltd (ECGS) is an alliance of independent corporate governance specialists offering research and engagement services for asset owners and fund managers. ECGS experts are Deutsche Schutzvereinigung für Wertpapierbesitz e.V. (DSW) in Düsseldorf, Ethos Service in Geneva, Frontis Governance in Rome, Proxinvest in Paris and Shareholder Support in Rotterdam.

About Manifest

Manifest is an independent corporate governance research company and proxy vote agency. Formed in 1995 Manifests approach to objective research, customised vote guidance and proxy vote management is unique in the proxy research field. Manifests expertise has been recognised by a variety of independent awards including Extel and most recently was named Corporate Governance Service Provider of 2013 by the AI Legal Awards. For more information, please visit www.old.manifest.co.uk

Both Manifest and Proxinvest are members of the Best Practice Principles for Corporate Governance Research committee as well as UK Stewardship Code Signatories.