SRZ and Activist Insight Host Seminar: Shareholder Activism in the UK

SRZ, longtime counsel to influential activists, and Activist Insight, data-provider and publisher, are hosting a seminar on “Shareholder Activism in the UK” today in London. Experts will gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing investors and target companies in the United Kingdom and Europe. The event is by invitation only.

Eleazer Klein, New York-based SRZ partner and co-chair of the firm’s global Shareholder Activism Group, and UK-based corporate and funds partner Jim McNally will moderate panels covering “Current Developments in Shareholder Activism Across Europe” and “Institutional Investors and Activism.”

Marc Weingarten, co-chair of the firm’s global Shareholder Activism Group, commented, “In the United Kingdom and Europe, underperforming companies are attracting attention from activist investors worldwide. Our event today speaks directly to that growing interest.” Mr. Klein added, “Although activism is not mainstream in these markets, we expect it to continue to grow year-to-year as activists concentrate their efforts.”

Josh Black of Activist Insight will present data on current trends in activism. “We are pleased to be partnering with Schulte Roth & Zabel in hosting this event. There may be fewer activists in Europe than in the United States, but they can still create significant change in the pursuit of greater shareholder value,” he said. Since 2010, approximately one-third of campaigns at European companies have been led by activists with US headquarters, according to data collected by Activist Insight.

The seminar also features industry leaders — including Ian Burger of Newton Investment Management, Felix Lo of Sandell Asset Management, David Trenchard of David Trenchard Consulting, Julia Wittenburg of CamberView Partners, Sheryl Cuisia of Boudicca Proxy Consultants, Nick Dawson of Proxy Insight Limited, Ed Gascoigne-Pees of Camarco and Sarah Wilson of Manifest.

SRZ is renowned for its shareholder activism practice and according to a Reuters report, the firm has “come to dominate the activism market.” In 2014, SRZ expanded its shareholder activism practice into the United Kingdom, where the firm has had a London office since 2002.

“We are proud to present today’s seminar, which features leading practitioners discussing the current state of market practice as well as the outlook for shareholder activism in the UK,” commented Alan Waldenberg, chair of SRZ’s Executive Committee.

SRZ’s Shareholder Activism Resource Center is updated regularly and includes SRZ attorney-authored articles, alerts on cases and emerging rules and regulations, practice highlights, and industry news and publications. To visit SRZ’s Shareholder Activism Resource Center, click here.