Carl C Icahn

The months-long face-off between JLG parent firm Oshkosh Corp and activist shareholder Carl C Icahn will reach a critical juncture on 27 January.

The corporation's annual meeting occurs in the founders' wing of the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh with shareholders electing members of the board of directors.

Icahn interests purchased 9.48% of the company's outstanding shares from 29 April to 30 June, nominated candidates 3 November for six of the 13 Oshkosh board seats and have conducted an aggressive proxy solicitation on behalf of its nominees.

Icahn, who controls the single largest block of Oshkosh stock, met twice with company executives prior to the board campaign but did not resolve any of his issues.

The corporation nominated a full slate of 13 candidates and has vigorously defended its post-depression efforts to rebuild the business's vitality and strength.

Dozens of communications articulating each side's argument for its candidates are on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

In mid-January, MSCI Inc subsidiary Institutional Shareholder Services Inc of Rockland, Maryland endorsed three Icahn-backed candidates, namely Jose Maria Alapont, AB Krongard and Samuel Merksamer.

Meanwhile, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board of Madison, Wisconsin and independent proxy services Glass Lewis & Co LLC of San Francisco, California and Egan-Jones Ratings Co of Haverford, Pennsylvania separately endorsed all of the corporation's 13 nominees.

The Oshkosh access equipment segment produces aerial JLG-brand work platforms and telehandlers for construction, agricultural, industrial, institutional and general maintenance applications. The segment also manufactures Jerr Dan towing and recovery equipment and related parts.