While InBev’s proposed takeover of Anheuser-Busch has already provided for a great deal of commentary in this space, it seems the fight is only just beginning. With this week’s announcement that A-B is now suing InBev over Cuban business connections that could potentially lead to violations of the Trading with the Enemy Act if the deal goes through, the battle for Budweiser – and a number of other highly-visible beer brands – has intensified dramatically. And, more ... Read More

A recent Dennis K. Berman column in the Wall Street Journal seems to confirm the realization of what many boards fear most in a sluggish economy – activist shareholders are taking greater control of corporate governance. Berman points out that since 2006, activist shareholders have been awarded board seats at 218 companies – of which only 28 were the result of proxy fights. He goes on to point out that activist shareholders “have already won or ... Read More

A few days ago, we discussed how making allies of your public relations adversaries can significantly neutralize their attacks. By engaging NGOs and other interest groups that question your business practices, you not only mute their criticisms, but annex part of their leadership position for yourself as well. Today, we’d like to look at another approach that achieves the same result. It’s called the jiu jitsu strategy – and it’s all about using an opponent’s strength ... Read More

Anyone who has witnessed organized labor movements or environmental demonstrations would find it hard to believe that companies and activist groups can actually get along from time to time. But as NGO’s increasingly exert greater influence around the world, CEOs on the global stage are taking note and recognizing that sometimes the best way to neutralize an adversary – especially when that adversary is perceived to have right on its side – is not a fight, ... Read More

While there is little expectation that a capitalist rush will soon return the Cuban economy to its prosperous past, there are indications that Raul Castro is initiating subtle changes that could eventually soften the Cuban government’s iron grip on its economy. Many geopolitical observers see some of the reforms Cuba is promulgating as moves that could one day morph the nation’s economy into a hybrid Chinese model – capitalism, not officially recognized, but not completely stamped ... Read More

There was a time not so long ago that Bill Clinton was the Dali Lama of Democratic politics. Even after Whitewater, the Lewinski affair, the controversial pardons, and his conspicuous absence from the 2000 campaign, when he spoke, Democrats listened. When he led, they followed. Now, as Hillary’s campaign for the White House has been reduced to a political postmortem, many of her supporters are wondering whether they’d have been better off if Bill had simply ... Read More