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Shareholder activism in the UK: types of activists, forms of activism, and their impact on a target’s performance

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  • Igor Filatotchev
  • Oksana Dotsenko

Abstract

Considering the recent rapid expansion of shareholder activism phenomenon in the United Kingdom (UK) and the vast amount of resources committed to it by corporations, government and investors, its effectiveness has become a crucial subject for investigation. This article analyzes organizational outcomes of shareholder activism in the UK. This research is based on a unique comprehensive database of shareholder activism events during the period of 1998–2008. We provide a detailed account of different types of activists, activism strategies and shareholder demands associated with the events of activism. Our findings show that the effectiveness of shareholder activism in terms of abnormal stock-market returns varies dramatically depending on its form, type of investor and the nature of investor proposals. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Filatotchev & Oksana Dotsenko, 2015. "Shareholder activism in the UK: types of activists, forms of activism, and their impact on a target’s performance," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 19(1), pages 5-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jmgtgv:v:19:y:2015:i:1:p:5-24
    DOI: 10.1007/s10997-013-9266-5
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    Cited by:

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    3. Michael R. Janse van Vuuren & Nadia Mans-Kemp & Suzette Viviers, 2023. "Who monitors the monitors? An examination of listed companies in an emerging market context," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(3), pages 213-230, September.
    4. Havranek, Tomas & Bajzík, Josef & Irsova, Zuzana & Novak, Jiri, 2023. "Does Shareholder Activism Create Value? A Meta-Analysis," CEPR Discussion Papers 18233, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    5. Sudam Shingade & Shailesh Rastogi & Venkata Mrudula Bhimavarapu & Abhijit Chirputkar, 2022. "Shareholder Activism and Its Impact on Profitability, Return, and Valuation of the Firms in India," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-20, March.
    6. Simon Rafaqat & Sana Rafaqat & Sahil Rafaqat & Saoul Rafaqat & Dawood Rafaqat, 2023. "Shareholder Activism and Firm Performance: A Review," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 14(4), pages 31-41.
    7. Barros, Victor & Guedes, Maria João & Santos, Joana & Sarmento, Joaquim Miranda, 2023. "Shareholder activism and firms’ performance," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    8. Dasilas, Apostolos & Grose, Chris, 2018. "The wealth effects of public-to-private LBOs: Evidence from Europe," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 179-194.
    9. Bessler, Wolfgang & Vendrasco, Marco, 2022. "Why do companies become hedge fund targets? Evidence from shareholder activism in Germany," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 47(PB).

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