Strikingly, though, a deeper analysis of this so-called "shareholder spring" of investor uprisings shows it may not really exist.

BBC: The myth of a shareholder spring

So far in 1999, says Pat McGurn of Institutional Shareholder Services, which provides institutional investors with proxy analysis, disaffected shareholders have already won a vote in six contests to put their candidates on corporate boards but reached a favourable settlement in 25 more.

ECONOMIST: Thank you and goodbye

Our analysis focuses on the outcome and consequences of shareholder-sponsored governance proposals at annual meetings.

FORBES: Have The Swiss Gone Cuckoo?