Done Deal – Insights from our M&A and Activism team – October 2025
Insights from our M&A and Activism team
Welcome to the latest instalment of Done Deal. Val Mack and Garrett Muzikowski discuss key insights from our 4th Annual Shareholder Activism State of the Market in a short video. We also feature insights from our experts on new approaches to proxy voting and stewardship that are redefining industry practices. Finally, in our colleague spotlight, Itaru Kobayashi from our Japan office, offers a brief reflection on current trends and challenges.
Key Insights from our 4th Annual Shareholder Activism State of the Market
Val Mack and Garrett Muzikowski share key insights from our 4th Annual Shareholder Activism State of the Market, which analyzes key themes and emerging trends from the past proxy season.
The Changing Face of Proxy Voting and Stewardship
On 15 October, Glass Lewis announced changes to its approach to issuing research to its institutional investor clients, arguably the most significant change to the proxy advisory industry in two decades. Over the next two years, Glass Lewis plans to end the provision of research and vote recommendations based on its house policy. Our experts share what these changes mean for the next proxy season and how they may affect the industry.
What We’re Up To
Meet our Team: 30 seconds with Itaru Kobayashi
Describe your area of expertise at FTI and the value you bring to clients?
I have more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and media relations spanning the energy, electronics, digital transformation (DX), AI, healthcare, consumer goods, and finance sectors. I began my career at Japan’s largest electric utility company, TEPCO, where I was on the ground during the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
With a strong background in media relations and a deep understanding of the Japanese media landscape, I help clients both in and outside Japan strengthen and elevate their business reputation in the market.
What deal trends are you seeing in your marketplace?
In my view, the Japanese market has seen significant activity in shareholder activism, M&A, and crisis situations over the past decade and this trend is likely to continue, even amid some political uncertainty. As the Tokyo office continues to grow, there are still many opportunities for us to expand our market presence. We’re focused on building a broader client network and securing larger projects — a challenge that’s both demanding and exciting for me and the Tokyo team.
What do you do outside of work that helps you reset and stay sharp for the next professional challenge?
Martial arts and self-defense are my passions. I hold a black belt and an instructor certificate in both karate and kickboxing. I believe that building physical strength not only boosts confidence, even in times of crisis, but also enables us to help others when necessary.
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 |
