Activist Investor Campaigns Hit Record High, Driven by Japan

New campaigns by shareholder activists reached record levels globally in the first six months of the year, data from Lazard Inc. show.

The number of new activists campaigns totaled 147, up 7% from 138 in the same period in 2023 and 29% above the five-year average, Lazard said in a report.

The pickup in activity was largely concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, while North America and Europe were near last year’s pace. New campaigns in APAC jumped 65% — to 43 from 25 — with Japan accounting for 28 of those.

Recent campaigns include Elliott Investment Management building sizable stakes ...