Activism didn’t pause in 2025 – it evolved. Campaign counts are up, tactics have multiplied, and boards are settling faster and earlier. As Goldman Sachs’ Neil Rudisill put it on Cooley’s Market Talks panel, “We’re on track for probably the third largest year ever in terms of activism,” with US campaign levels up roughly 11% year-over-year […]| The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance
In the headlines today, it is common to see announcements about activist campaigns or activists taking equity positions in public companies. Nonetheless, full-scale proxy fights have become relatively rare. Most public company boards opt to settle with activists, seeking to avoid costly, time-intensive and uncertain contests that distract directors and management from running their business. […]| The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance