An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Shareholder activism reached unprecedented intensity in 2025, with 255 campaigns launched globally—the highest figure on record. Activity is also becoming more transaction-oriented, with 61% of fourth-quarter campaigns tied to an M&A thesis, the highest proportion in five years. Much of that activity remains concentrated in the U.S., which accounted for 55% of global campaigns. In this environment, activism can move quickly from shareholder concern to a full-scale campaign, putting real pressure on boards and management teams, particularly when an activist frames a sale or break-up as the fastest path to value creation. Once that narrative takes hold, companies often find themselves operating on an accelerated timeline.

_{Source: Barclays 2025 Review of Shareholder Activism}

Building investor alignment early—and taking a proactive approach to engagement—is a far better investment than reactive defense. A lack of strong relationships with investors aligned with the company’s long-term strategy leaves companies more exposed to activist pressure. Once a campaign begins, defense can be costly and uncertain, often reaching tens of millions of dollars with no guaranteed outcome.

Rose & Co. works exclusively for companies to identify, engage, and nurture relationships with long-term institutions whose mandates align with the company’s strategy and whose ownership can scale into meaningful, stable positions over time. A well-composed register reduces vulnerability and provides essential support when external pressure materializes. When pressure hits, the outcome often comes down to one thing: who owns your stock.