In recent years shareholder activism has increased, becoming a more mainstream way of pressuring companies to effect certain changes to maximize shareholder value. The current economic market and the resulting scrutiny surrounding management's ability to effectively lead a company have resulted in an increasing awareness of corporate governance issues. As more activists make their agendas publicy known, management and corporate advisors, as well as shareholders, are becoming better equipped to handle such challenges.

Nils Krause, DLA Piper UK LLP, Hamburg.