Done Deal – Insights from our M&A and Activism team – July 2026
Insights from our M&A and Activism team
Welcome to the latest instalment of Done Deal. In this edition, Edward Knight shares key insights from a recent London Stock Exchange webinar on shareholder activism, highlighting the trends shaping today’s market in a short video. We also explore the quantum industry’s fundamental shift and what it could mean for future capital markets activity. In addition, we examine evolving executive pay trends across Ireland and the U.K. and how they are influencing shareholder voting outcomes. Finally, in our colleague spotlight, Chuck Moran a new senior Advisor in our Washington D.C. office shares his perspective on current market trends.
LESG Webinar | Shareholder Activism: Readiness & Response
The Next Chapter for A&D: Why Today’s IPO Wave Could Fuel Tomorrow’s M&A Boom
Over the past year, a growing number of Aerospace & Defense companies have successfully entered the public markets or announced plans to do so. History suggests that periods of heightened capital availability are often followed by increased M&A activity, and the next wave of consolidation may already be taking shape. In this article, our experts explore how Aerospace & Defense companies can effectively navigate transactions, capitalize on emerging opportunities and create lasting value amid this evolving landscape.
Quantum is Entering Its Credibility Era
The quantum industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, and its continued evolution is expected to drive increased capital markets activity. Our experts share six key considerations for quantum companies evaluating a capital markets transaction to help position for success, stay ahead of emerging trends and mitigate risk.
What We’re Up To
Meet our Team: 30 seconds with Chuck Moran
Describe your area of expertise at FTI and the value you bring to clients?
I recently joined FTI after completing a 30-year career in the energy industry. I had the
opportunity to lead large, international public affairs and communications teams mostly in the downstream and retail part of the value chain. In those roles, I had an opportunity to work on large scale infrastructure projects, M&A, shareholder activism and crisis response — not only positioning teams to deliver results when it mattered, but counseling CEOs, Boards and leaders as we navigated exciting or challenging times.
What trends are you seeing in your marketplace?
From what I have seen, the CEOs need to work harder to win the hearts and minds of their employees. In a world revolving around the internet and AI, employees are skeptical and tough judges. ‘Can I trust him/her? Do I think my CEO has not only a vision but the ability to accomplish it? And lastly, do I actually like him/her?’
CEOs have to apply the same retail politics they use to woo investors, regulators and the media to ensure employees come along for the ride. Mass emails or large scale town halls just won’t cut it anymore — they need to press the flesh, connect on a personal level, get in the field more… unscripted and real. The CEOs not doing it risk not having employees engaged, inspired and there for them to deliver results.
What do you do outside of work that helps you reset and stay sharp for the next professional challenge?
I love having at least my next two vacations planned out – so that I know that there is a time of fun and relaxation on the horizon. In between trips, long walks and hikes have a great impact on resetting me — along with a vodka martini here and there 🙂
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. ©2026 FTI Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. www.fticonsulting.com |
