Adam Kommel’s Post

As we approach the halfway point in the 2024 #proxyseason, it is shaping up to be a more active cycle than 2023, when many activists seemingly pressed “pause” on pursuing public campaigns to evaluate the full impact of new #UniversalProxyCard (UPC) regulations.   Amid improving and more predictable economic conditions, a rebounding M&A market, and the prospect of rate cuts, activist shareholder activity continues to increase.   Our colleague Dan Scorpio, Head of M&A and Activism at H/Advisors Abernathy, stresses how the vast majority of activist shareholder activity is conducted out of the public eye, either through a private approach or behind-the-scenes engagement. Thoughtful preparation ahead of any engagement with an activist can often determine how this dialogue evolves. In this 1-minute read, Dan shares five insights for corporate leaders from the first few months of this proxy season: https://lnkd.in/eZSggki9

The dynamics between boards and activists have shifted greatly over the past couple years. After analyzing a decade's worth of settlement data, it is notable how often boards have been settling with activists privately or quickly after a position is made public. Meanwhile, activists have decreased the number of seats requested in their demands, instead shifting their focus towards special committee formation (and representation). See the data and our thoughts on what it means for boards here. Pat Tucker Sean Lange FTI Consulting Strategic Communications #shareholderactivism #corporategovernance #boardgovernance #electgovernance

Do you think that activism is an effective driver of change? We at SIGWATCH see that, most of the time, activist campaigning is highly influential in ways that you can't always clearly see. It can gradually change the way society thinks about issues. It can heavily influence corporate decision-making, not just by exerting reputational pressure, but by changing the wider operating landscape. And it can guide the development of new regulation and legislation. Check out David Hamon giving a bit more colour on how this works ⬇

❓ Does social activism hurt business or make it thrive? Ben & Jerry’s founders believe the latter 👉🏽 “If bought by a finance-focused entity, Ben & Jerry’s will suffer”, Cohen says. “They don’t realize the intangibles that are behind the numbers.” Their current parent company, Unilever, seems to disagree because it prefers more neutral activism, like fighting food waste or fostering sanitation. This Wall Street Journal article sheds a light on the behind-the-scenes aftermath of Ben & Jerry’s 2021 decision to stop selling their ice cream in Jewish settlements that they considered illegal and around Ben & Jerry's quelled intent to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. The WSJ article highlights that internal sales data that showed the brand had logged stronger sales growth than its Unilever’s broader ice cream business in three of the past five years. So, what do you think: Does social activism hurt business or make it thrive? #values #leadership #itScomplicated

DEEP DIVE There’s power in every click. In today's digital age, it’s important to use our voices and harness social media for meaningful activism and positive change. Here are some simple ways to show your activism online: https://lnkd.in/gVRZBrzQ #SEAWavePilipinas

Shareholder activism has increased in nearly every region of the world over the past decade. According to Diligent Market Intelligence's report on shareholder activism (registration required), the number of U. https://ow.ly/eAo630sIitT

The role of the board is crucial when an activist comes knocking. They can help keep the conversation grounded and be a crucial sounding board for management. Learn more in our latest report. https://pwc.to/4epv1rx

The role of the board is crucial when an activist comes knocking. They can help keep the conversation grounded and be a crucial sounding board for management. Learn more in our latest report. https://pwc.to/3VhDnsy

Activism is key in addressing social injustices and environmental issues worldwide.Take the quiz to see how activism has driven change throughout history. #globalcitizen #TheGlobalBlueprint #EdutainmentBD #KidsRightsChangemakerFB #bottomup #YNOTCampaign

The role of the board is crucial when an activist comes knocking. They can help keep the conversation grounded and be a crucial sounding board for management. Learn more in our latest report. https://pwc.to/3KTTMyw