Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Shareholder Activism Surges in 2025
In 2025, there was a big increase in shareholder activism, especially campaigns that wanted companies to merge or be acquired.
In the first half of the year, 35% of these campaigns were about mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
This number went up to 54% in the second half of the year.
By the fourth quarter, 61% of all campaigns were focused on M&A, which was the highest level in five years.
A report by Barclays shared these findings.
Shareholder activism surged in 2025, with a focus on M&A campaigns.
M&A initiatives made up 35% of all initiatives in the first half of 2025.
The percentage of M&A initiatives increased to 54% in the second half of 2025.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, 61% of campaigns had an M&A thesis, the highest in five years.
The data was reported by Barclays.
- Who
- Shareholders and companies
- What
- Increase in shareholder activism and M&A campaigns
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Global
- Why
- Not explicitly stated in the article
- M&A Initiatives (H1 2025)
- 35%
- M&A Initiatives (H2 2025)
- 54%
- M&A Campaigns (Q4 2025)
- 61%
- Highest M&A Level in
- 5 years
- Report Source
- Barclays