Shareholder activism
Download our Shareholder Activism Advisory brochure here
It is no secret that investor activism has ‘shaken the tree’ of UK investment trusts over the past 6 months, taking many by surprise. Much ink has been spilt on the subject. Activism as a concept, however, does not discriminate, and as a financial communications advisor it is Tavistock’s role to prepare all our clients for such situations, whether in attack or defence.
Through a range of activities, we assess the potential threat from activist shareholders, position company messaging with key target media, and properly equip management teams and their boards to listen to, and communicate transparently with, all stakeholders.
Thanks to galvanising support from retail shareholders, the UK trusts sector stands firm, but questions remain. In a new episode of Tavistock Takes, Tara Vivian-Neal and James Laing discuss investment trusts, the merits of shareholder activism, and how a proven comms strategy is integral to any approach.
Meet the team
James Laing sits on Tavistock’s advisory board as a non-executive director and special advisor. He is a former member of the FCA and Takeover Panel committees and has over 25 years’ experience in financial markets having held senior positions at Standard Life Aberdeen and more recently at Rothschild & Co. Read more.
Tara Vivian-Neal is an associate director on Tavistock’s natural resources team. She has managed accounts for clients in activist situations and has wider experience with AIM and fully listed clients, as well as those listed on the ASX and TSX exchanges. Read more.