Engaged Capital

Engaged Capital is a Newport Beach-based investment firm that specializes in activist investing. The firm was founded in 2012 by Glenn Welling and has since grown to manage over $1.5 billion in assets. Engaged Capital takes significant stakes in companies and uses its position to push for strategic changes that improve shareholder value. The firm is known for its aggressive approach and its willingness to engage in public activism. One of Engaged Capital's most notable campaigns was its investment in Rent-A-Center, a rent-to-own retailer. In 2017, Engaged Capital took a 12.9% stake in the company and pushed for changes in its management team and strategic direction. The campaign was successful, with Rent-A-Center agreeing to sell itself to a private equity firm in 2018. Other notable campaigns by Engaged Capital include its investments in Jamba Juice, where it pushed for changes in the company's operations and leadership, and in Abercrombie & Fitch, where it pushed for changes in the company's branding and product strategy.