Done Deal – Insights from our M&A and Activism team – January 2025
Insights from our M&A and Activism team
Welcome to the first edition of Done Deal for 2025! This month, our colleague Renee Law explains how effective ESG Due Diligence is essential in transaction decision-making and portfolio management. Following this, our team shares research analyzing the 30 most prominent US companies’ approaches to disclosure on governance. Lastly, Alexander Davis from our London team offers brief reflections in our colleague spotlight.
ESG Due Diligence: Still a Cross-Border Imperative
Even as investor support for ESG shifts quickly, buyers would be smart to recognize that regulatory and market-by-market ESG risk remains a critical consideration to successful deal execution. Our colleague Renee Law explains more.
Decoding AI Disclosure – A U.S. Perspective
In a first study, FTI Consulting and Trinity College Dublin found that amongst the 50 largest European companies included in the STOXX Europe 50 Index, there was broad, generalized AI strategy and use case reporting. However, there remained gaps in oversight and risk management, as well as inconsistent approach to disclosure on governance. This addendum follows the same research methodology as the aforementioned study but analyzes the 30 most prominent US companies included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
What We’re Up To
Done Deal Talks: Webinar Series
As the 2025 activism season kicks off, headlines are declaring the celebrity activist a thing of the past, while the CEO is in the hot seat as activists push to oust them in record numbers.
In a 2025 inaugural episode of Done Deal Talks by FTI Consulting, three top activism defense leaders – Amy Lissauer, Shaun Mathew and Pat Tucker – will discuss how they keep their clients ahead of the curve with tailored strategies. With Val Mack as moderator, the group will discuss the new class of activists leading aggressive charges, how boards are thinking about their CEOs, and if activism should continue to be considered a seasonal event.
FTI Consulting would like to extend special thanks to Bank of America and Kirkland & Ellis for contributing insights to the discussion.
Date: Tuesday 4th February 2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:00 ET | 17:00 – 18:00 GMT
Location: Zoom
Meet our Team: 30 seconds with Alexander Davis
What is your focus area at FTI Consulting?
Having joined FTI Consulting in 2018, I initially focused on Life Sciences & Healthcare but over the years, I have become increasingly involved in complex M&A situations across multiple sectors, largely in Europe.
What trends are you seeing in your marketplace?
Having witnessed a slower market, we are seeing a step up in M&A and managing complex geopolitical dynamics is only making this more exciting. In London, equities are coming under increasing threat from activists with more campaigns launched against UK listed companies last year than anywhere else in Europe. Given increased activity from an expanding pool of activist funds combined with flagging valuations, there has never been a greater need for companies across the UK and Europe to be prepared with adequate up-to-date defence documents and have them to hand to ensure that the Board are ready for the first 24 to 48 hours whenever and wherever they may be approached.
What do you do outside of work that helps you reset and stay sharp for the next professional challenge?
I enjoy travelling and discovering new places when time allows, whether that be close to home around West London or further afield across the globe. As a long-term fan of Formula One, the pursuit of winning through skill and innovation whilst working in a high-performing team is truly inspiring and is something I try to bring with me to work every day.
Contact Us
To be added to the distribution list for FTI Consulting’s M&A and Activism Insights, or for further information on the dedicated M&A and Activism team at FTI Consulting, please contact Edward Bridges ([email protected]) Pat Tucker ([email protected]) or Alex Le May ([email protected]).
| The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals. ©2025 FTI Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. www.fticonsulting.com |
