I hope Donna Kaufman is taking notes this time

.....she gives new meaning to the term Strategic Oversight Committee

Donna Kaufman seems to attract foreign private equity bids to Canadian utility companies like bees to honey. She was the Chair of BCE’s aptly named Strategic Oversight Committee. If you can believe it, she is also the Chair of today’s private equity takeover target, TransAlta.

Here’s an account of her fine work on behalf of BCE:

Bondholders say BCE finessed takeover deal to avoid bond redemption
Ross Marowits, The Canadian Press
January 28, 2008

The court was reminded that three BCE directors - Tom O'Neill, Jim Pattison and Donna Kaufman, the head of the strategic oversight committee - testified they were unaware or couldn't remember seeing all the details of the bids or how they would affect all stakeholders.

Here’s her prepared statement of today.

As we did in previous matters relating to Luminus, TransAlta's Board of Directors has reconstituted its special committee of independent directors, will carefully consider the letter and will respond in due course," said Chairman Donna Kaufman. "As always, the Board will pursue the best course of action to enhance long-term value for TransAlta shareholders. There has been no offer and shareholders need not take any action."