Middleby (MIDD) advanced 16% Friday, after reports that activist investor Ed Garden will soon press for unspecified changes after acquiring nearly 5% stake in the company, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Trian Fund Management cofounder Ed Garden registered Garden Investment Management in late August after stepping away from Trian earlier in 2024. The firm plans to use a variety of activist methods to increase value of its portfolio, including changes in focus, management and capital structure, according to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Middleby marks the first deal for Garden Investments, which may continue building its stake in the company, the sources told WSJ. The firm also is expecting to push for a renewed focus on Middleby's commercial food service business as well as starting reviews of its other segments.
Middleby and Garden Investments did not immediately respond to requests for comments from MT Newswires.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
Price: 169.14, Change: +23.49, Percent Change: +16.13
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