Starboard Value

Starboard Value is a New York-based investment firm that specializes in activist investing. The firm was founded in 2002 by Jeffrey Smith and has since grown to manage over $6 billion in assets. Starboard 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 Starboard's most notable campaigns was its investment in Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden and other restaurant chains. In 2014, Starboard took a 5.6% stake in the company and pushed for changes in its management team, board of directors, and strategic direction. The campaign was successful, with Darden Restaurants agreeing to sell its struggling Red Lobster chain and making other changes to improve its operations and profitability. Other notable campaigns by Starboard include its investments in Yahoo!, where it pushed for changes in the company's leadership and strategy, and in eBay, where it pushed for changes in the company's board of directors and strategy.