DealLawyers.com Blog

We’ve recently posted another episode of our “Understanding Activism with John & J.T.” podcast. This time, J.T. Ho and John were joined by Francis Stapleton, a managing director in Evercore’s strategic advisory practice. They discussed recent trends in activism. Topics covered during this 40-minute podcast include:

– Drivers of global surge in activism
– 2025’s surge in M&A-driven activism
– Evolution of experienced activists’ playbook
– Reducing vulnerability to CEO-targeted activism
– Dealing effectively with first-time activists
– The small-cap activism landscape
– Avoiding becoming a repeat activism target
– Preparing for M&A-driven activism in 2026
– Top priority for boards preparing for activism

This podcast series is intended to share perspectives on key issues and developments in shareholder activism from representatives of both public companies and activists. They continue to record new podcasts, and they’re full of practical and engaging insights from true experts – so stay tuned!

– Meredith Ervine