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Activist investors set record number of campaigns in 2025, Barclays data shows
Activist investors increased campaigns by nearly 5% from 2024, with 141 in the U.S. and 56 in Japan, driven by market volatility and improved returns, Barclays data shows.
- On Jan 4, Barclays data showed activist investors launched a record number of campaigns in 2025, a nearly 5% rise over 2024 and eclipsing the previous 249 peak.
- In recent years activist investors gained fresh acceptance among corporate management as returns improved, and Jim Rossman said rebounding M&A and private equity made activism feel more possible.
- In the United States, more than half of global campaigns occurred, with Barclays recording 141 campaigns, while Japan set a record with 56, targeting brands like Lululemon Athletica, Lyft, PepsiCo and Yeti.
- A rising number of CEO departures followed activist pressure, with 27 resigning in 2024, up from 24 in 2023, Barclays’ Rossman said.
- Late in the year activists pushed for leadership and strategic changes, with Elliott Investment Management pressing Lululemon Athletica on CEO succession and urging Barrick Mining to consider breaking up.
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PepsiCo stock back in the activist spotlight as Barclays flags record campaigns — what investors watch next
NEW YORK, January 4, 2026, 21:00 ET — Market closed PepsiCo shares head into Monday with activist investing back in the frame after Barclays data showed campaign activity hit a record in 2025, and the snack-and-soda maker was among the companies that drew attention. PepsiCo last closed down 0.9% at $142.23 on Friday. StockAnalysis That matters now because “activism” has become a live catalyst again for large-cap U.S. companies: it can force boar…
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