Our annual Activist Investing in Europe report, produced in collaboration with Mergermarket, provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of shareholder activism in Europe. Each edition combines extensive research involving corporate leaders from listed companies and activist investors with expert insights from Skadden attorneys, highlighting the key developments and emerging trends shaping the European market. The report has become a benchmark for companies, investors and advisors seeking to understand the shifting dynamics of activism, governance and corporate defence, delivering critical analysis and data to anticipate new challenges and identify potential opportunities.
Current Edition
2026
The 2026 edition of Skadden’s Activist Investing in Europe report, produced in partnership with Mergermarket, reveals significant shifts in the European shareholder activism landscape. Non-local activists are now targeting European corporates more frequently than local ones, while nearly all respondents are observing greater engagement from first-time activists. Activists are also moving toward more assertive and public tactics such as media campaigns, open letters and public demands. In response, a growing number of companies are proactively considering or adopting defensive measures. ESG considerations remain key, with all surveyed activists saying they will prioritize ESG in upcoming campaigns.