The “Shareholder Activism Annual Review 2026” from Diligent (produced in collaboration with Olshan, Sidley, Georgeson, and Marsh), provides a comprehensive look at global and US activism activity in 2025, benchmarking trends against prior years and offering forward-looking insights for boards and advisers.
The report analyzes overall campaign volume and regional breakdowns; common activist demands (including board seats, strategic alternatives, operational changes, and capital allocation initiatives); settlement trends and outcomes; and sector-specific activity. It also highlights developments in DEI-related activism, profiles leading activist investors (including a “top 10” list), and reviews tactics such as proxy contests, withhold campaigns, and public letters. In addition, the publication discusses evolving defense strategies, engagement practices, and risk considerations that boards should factor into their preparedness planning.
The benchmarking data and case examples may be particularly useful in informing activism vulnerabilities and response and director education programming.