Freedman Quoted in Law360 Regarding Shareholder Activism Trends in 2016

Andrew Freedman, Co-Head of the Activist Practice, was quoted extensively as an expert in a Law360 article about trends that will shape shareholder activism in 2016. The article highlights five trends as shareholder activism continues to evolve, and Freedman notes that a crucial reason activism is poised for another busy year “is that the perception of shareholder activism has generally evolved from a ‘taboo’ play to an in-vogue investment strategy” noting that activist investors “are catalyzing positive changes at companies and enhancing the composition of company boards.”  Freedman notes that “the buzzword of 2016 is sure to be the ‘reluctant activist,’ or funds — such as pension funds — that are showing a willingness to write public letters, nominate directors and launch proxy contests, whether or not they have teamed up with a seasoned activist.” Another trend Freedman touches on is the proliferation of business development companies and real estate investment trusts as targets for activist campaigns, noting that “they really have all the makings for a shareholder activist intervention, these BDCs and REITs, because of how they are inherently structured.”