ACTIVIST investors - money managers who seek to shake up a company's strategy in search of huge paydays - have been growing in size and power in the United States, bringing to heel even the most powerful corporate titans.
Now, these investors are taking their fights overseas with bigger and bolder bets.
The latest to step onto the global stage is Daniel S Loeb, who in his first major European campaign is looking to rattle the Swiss food giant Nestle.
By taking a US$3.5 billion stake, including options - his biggest wager to date - Mr Loeb's US$17.5 billion hedge fund Third Point is betting that Nestle can rev up its growth if it listens to Third Point's proposals, which include selling off Nestle's...