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.

I. Introduction to Shareholder Activism

II. Analysis Concerning the Risk of Being Attacked by Shareholder Activists

III. Shareholder Activism in the United States

IV. Shareholder Activism in the United Kingdom

V. Shareholder Activism in Germany

VI. Shareholder Activism in Japan

VII. Legal Defense Measures against Shareholder Activism

VIII. Communication with Shareholder Activists

IX. Sustainability as a Shareholder Activists' Key Topic

Appendices:
Relevant Statutory Law in the US, UK, Germany and Japan
Checklist with Respect to Defense Techniques
Communication Checklist

Nils Krause, DLA Piper UK LLP, Hamburg.