Sunday times - Activist investors take THG stake and pile pressure on Matt Moulding19 Mar 2023 00:37
"An activist hedge fund, founded by a former executive of the fearsome US firm Elliott Advisors, has taken a stake in THG, leaving the troubled online retailer contending with two activists on its sharebolder register.
London-based Sparta Capital recently bought THG shares, which have tumbled amid concerns over governance and tough trading conditions.
Meanwhile, Kelso, an activist that disclosed a 0.4 per cent stake in THG in January, is thought to be on the verge of going public with its recommendations to the board. Kelso, led by City veteran John Goold, is expected to urge THG to move its shares to the premium segment of the main market.
THG, owner of Myprotein and Cult Beauty, said almost 18 months ago that founder and chief executive Matt Moulding would give up his golden share, which gives him the power to veto hostile takeover bids. It will need to be relinquished for THG to attain a premium listing.
In September, THG said it intended to join that segment, but cautioned that the timing would depend on the outcome of a regulatory review into the listing regime.
Sparta, founded in 2021 by ex-Elliott portfolio manager Franck Tuil, publicly urged engineer John Wood Group last December to start buying back its shares. As well as waging activist campaigns, Sparta seeks to engage with its target companies. Tuil led Elliott’s purchase of AC Milan."
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/activist-investors-take-thg-stake-and-pile-pressure-on-matt-moulding-0xh9wtdvm