“We expect to see even more activist campaigns in the Netherlands as the market heats up and the liberal Dutch Corporate Governance Code continues to create opportunities for activists to exert influence.”

Geoff Serednesky, Managing Director

Country:
Netherlands

Country: Netherlands

Average % of insider ownership:

2.65
Activism Threat Level: 4

To learn more about this country, please click on the tabs below


Relative to its economic size, the Netherlands has recently seen high levels of activism due to its dynamic capital market and concentration of large corporate listings. Hedge funds and institutional investors have shown a willingness to support and become more engaged in individual cases. While activist short-sellers and approaches made in connection to M&A are most likely, opposing the issuance of equity has recently become more common.

Initial disclosure of voting interests must occur when shareholders reach, exceed, or drop below a 3 percent threshold within four business days.

With 3 percent or more, shareholders may include a resolution on the agenda of the general meeting. Once a 10 percent stake is reached shareholders gain the right to convene a general meeting and demand an investigative process.

Shareholders at the general meeting are not allowed to give instructions to the board to perform certain actions that fall within their authority, pursuant to legal or statutory provisions (management authority of the board of directors).

The implementation of anti-takeover measures such as a poison pill may be justified, if it’s necessary for, among other things, the continuity of the company and in the interests of the parties involved.

Companies have the possibility to structure a call option right, which is granted by the company for the issuance of preferred shares to a target-friendly Protective Foundation.


Top Campaigns by Type

1. Oppose Equity Issuance
2. Spin-off/sale of business division
3. Gain Board Representation

Campaigns By Year

Total
Campaigns

25

Notable Invested Activists

JANA Partners
Laxey Partners
Greenlight Capital, Inc.

Recent activism campaigns

Shell
VS.
Royal London Asset Management
Delta Lloyd
VS.
Greenlight Capital, Inc.
TomTom NV
VS.
TT International

Total Active
Campaigns

8

Contact FTI Consulting

Geoff Serednesky

Capital Markets Research and Activist Engagement
Managing Director
+1 312 861 4721
Geoff.Serednesky@FTIConsulting.com

Jay Frankl

Head of Activism and M&A Solutions
Senior Managing Director
+1 (202) 312 9216
Jason.Frankl@fticonsulting.com