The prominent role of shareholders today is a direct result of two developments; the first is the deregulating measures that have been taken in recent years by regulators. The second development concerns the changing corporate governance structure at private firms, including the relaxation of protection constructions.
Amid the ensuing public debate, regulators and supervisors are being called upon to assess the risks associated with shareholder activism, such as the potential violation of market integrity and uncompromising behaviour with the sole aim of maximizing shareholder value.