Barbarians in the Boardroom by Owen Walker

Barbarians in the Boardroom: Activist Investors And The Battle For Control Of The World's Most Powerful Companies

by Owen Walker

Activist investors are no longer operating on the fringes of the business world—they are now a firm fixture in the boardroom, sending shockwaves through some of the world's largest companies. This trend, which began in corporate America, has now spread to the UK, Europe, and Asia, threatening the jobs of executives and directors and putting up to a quarter of public companies at risk.

In this compelling and authoritative account, Owen Walker tells the story of high-profile boardroom bust-ups, dumped CEOs, and triumphant activists. Drawing on real-life examples and exclusive interviews with both executives and investors, he explains how activist investors have managed to storm Wall Street and tear down City citadels.

Barbarians in the Boardroom provides an invaluable insight into the way activists think, how they decide to target a company, and how corporate leaders can work with them rather than against them. It is an essential guide for anyone with an interest in the new era of corporate power struggles and the strategies that are permanently changing the roles of boards of directors.