In contrast to previous studies documenting positive abnormal returns to target shareholders, we find that hedge fund activism significantly reduces existing bondholders' wealth. Bondholders earn an average excess bond return of -3.9% around the initial 13D filing date, and an additional average...

We examine recent confrontational shareholder activism campaigns by hedge funds and by other private investors. The three main parallels between the groups are a significantly positive market reaction for the target firm around the initial Schedule 13D filing date, a further significant increase...