Shareholder Activism's New Rhythm

The world of activist investing is going through some interesting shifts. It's like watching a well-known band evolve their sound - familiar, but with some fresh new notes.

The big names in activism, like Carl Icahn (who'll be 89 in 2025), are starting to step back. But this doesn't mean the show's over - it's more like we're seeing a new lineup take the stage.

These newcomers, often alumni from established activist firms, are bringing their own style to the game. They're focusing on smaller companies and looking beyond borders, kind of how the indie bands do it.

And talk about expanding their repertoire! These new activists are getting involved in M&A deals and even weighing in on environmental and social policies - like adding new instruments to the band to create a more complete sound.

As we've reported before - the M&A scene is expected to heat up in 2025 and these activists might just become the new headliners, challenging deals they see as off-key. It's adding a whole new dynamic to the corporate world.

Companies are catching on, too. They're realizing they need to engage with shareholders more often, not just during voting season. It's like they're learning to jam with their audience instead of just playing at them.

Bruce Goldfarb, who wrote this piece, uses Bob Dylan's lyrics as a refrain throughout. "The times, they are a-changin'" really captures the mood of what's happening.

So, while the old guard might be taking their final bow, the show's far from over. We're just seeing a new generation of activist investors tuning up their instruments. It'll be interesting to see what kind of music they make in the coming years!

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