Eight Irish-based companies targeted by activist shareholders in 2024

Ireland was one of few jurisdictions in Europe to see a rise in investor activism, with Germany and France both seeing significant falls last year

In August last year, Engine Capital struck a deal with Bulmers maker C&C which saw the company appoint a new non-executive director to the board from an agreed shortlist.

Shareholder activism reached new heights last year, with the number of Irish-based companies targeted by activist investors doubling in 2024. 

In its annual review for shareholder activism, governance, risk and compliance firm Diligent noted a shift in Europe last year, with eight Ireland-based companies targeted by activist investors compared to just four in 2023.