Michael R. Levin launched The Activist Investor (TAI), a shareholder activist advisory firm, earlier this month. The new firm specializes in “advising equity investors in using shareholder activism for turnaround of underperforming companies.” The Activist Investor’s launching coincides with expectations that regulatory changes in 2010 will favor shareholders and thus lead to an increase in shareholder activism.
Mr. Levin commented, "Most investors are good at buying stock, and many are good at selling them, but few know what to do in-between, TAI fills that gap…TAI has a bias toward helping investors and management work together, not as adversaries, to avoid costly and distracting proxy battles and litigation. Yet we remain willing and able to fight hard to defend investor interests when management ignores our efforts."
TAI’s shareholder activist advisory services include: strategy and planning; financial analysis of benefits and costs of activist efforts; selection and coordination of other advisors (legal, proxy solicitors, communications); and representation and monitoring in activist efforts. TAI’s services will be provided to a range of clients, including fund managers, institutional investors, and family offices.
Michael R. Levin will lead the Greater Chicago area-based firm’s consulting efforts. Prior to forming The Activist Investor, Mr. Levin participated in numerous shareholder activist and turnaround situations. He has 25 years' experience as an investor, corporate financial executive (Nicor, Fiat), and management consultant (Towers Perrin, Deloitte). |
