NEW YORK, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Proxy advisory firm

Institutional Shareholder Services on Thursday recommended that

Matthews International ( MATW ) shareholders elect all three of

activist investor Barington Capital's director nominees to the

company's board.

ISS argued the nominees, including Barington founder James

Mitarotonda, would bring valuable perspective to the casket

maker's 11-member board. Shareholders will elect directors on

February 20 unless the two sides reach an agreement beforehand.