Returns to Hedge Fund Activism: An International Study

Becht, M, Franks, J R, Grant, J and Wagner, H F (2017) Returns to Hedge Fund Activism: An International Study. Review of Financial Studies, 30 (9). pp. 2933-2971. ISSN 0893-9454 OPEN ACCESS

Abstract

This paper provides evidence on the incidence, characteristics, and performance of activist engagements across countries. We find that the incidence of activism is greatest with high institutional ownership, particularly for U.S. institutions. We use a sample of 1,740 activist engagements across 23 countries and find that almost one-quarter of engagements are by multi-activists engaging the same target. These engagements perform strikingly better than single activist engagements. Engagement outcomes, such as board changes and takeovers, vary across countries and significantly contribute to the returns to activism. Japan is an exception, with high initial expectations and low outcomes.

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Item Type: Article
Subject Areas: Finance
Additional Information:

(Winner of CAMRI Prize in Asset Management). This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in 'Review of Financial Studies' following peer review. The version of record: Marco Becht, Julian Franks, Jeremy Grant, Hannes F. Wagner (2017) Returns to Hedge Fund Activism: An International Study, The Review of Financial Studies, Volume 30, Issue 9, 1 September 2017, Pages 2933–2971 is available online at: https://academic.oup.com/rfs/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/rfs/hhx048 and https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhx048

Funder Name: Economic and Social Research Council, Seventh Framework Programme
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2017 13:57
Date of first compliant deposit: 06 Jul 2017
Subjects: Share ownership
Last Modified: 29 Mar 2024 02:51
URI: https://lbsresearch.london.edu/id/eprint/831
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