Shareholder Advisory & Activism Defense

Lazard offers corporate leaders and board directors timely, relevant insights into their shareholders and investor dynamics. Together, our practice and sector specialists help clients anticipate activist threats, defend against unsolicited approaches, and win shareholder support for strategic transactions.

Lazard's Shareholder Advisory & Activism Defense team conducts strategic assessments of each client’s shareholder base, leveraging our proprietary databases, sophisticated analytics, and the combined expertise of our team.

We translate nuanced insights and depth of experience into a clear, independent view for our clients, so they can make decisions and engage investors with confidence.

Our tailored shareholder analysis, combined with Lazard's sector group knowledge and broader financial advisory expertise, also informs key strategic decisions under evaluation, including M&A or a shift in capital allocation priorities.

Key Capabilities

Activist Engagement & Unsolicited Defense

We advise companies on responding to activist shareholders and unsolicited approaches. Our process assesses potential vulnerabilities, shareholder positioning and perspectives, and the alternatives available to the company.

Corporate Preparedness (including Defense)

We draw on decades of experience across hundreds of campaigns to help clients identify areas of vulnerability. We then work with management to develop tailored response plans.

Strategic Investor Relations Advisory

We help companies strengthen their IR programs and broaden shareholder support. Our data-driven investor intelligence tools enable more effective and targeted shareholder engagement.

ESG Advisory

We assess clients’ ESG strategies and advise on optimal messaging to public shareholders, tailoring the communications strategy to incorporate a range of investor approaches to responsible investing and views on corporate governance.

Share Register Analysis

We provide in-depth analysis of share ownership and shareholder registers. This includes daily tracking of trading dynamics during critical periods and Annual General Meeting voting intelligence.

Proprietary Investor Study

Our proprietary Investor Study offers a comprehensive and impartial investor perception assessment of the business, its competitive position, finances, leadership and Board, communications and the valuation of its shares.

Trading Analytics

We conduct strategic assessments and ongoing monitoring of each client’s shareholder base. We combine proprietary databases, advanced data analytics, and the expertise of our team.