Shareholder activism occurs when an investor uses its ownership position to push a public company to change. Common demands include selling a business, returning capital to shareholders, replacing directors, cutting costs, changing management, or pursuing a sale of the company.
Activism defense investment banking helps companies assess their vulnerabilities, prepare for activist approaches, and respond to public or private campaigns. Some advisory firms also represent activists, although conflict rules generally prevent a firm from advising both sides of the same situation.