The Catalysts Behind Starboard’s $9 Billion Offer for Kohl’s

Two little-known hedge funds helped put the retailer in play.

Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg

Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg

Reports that Starboard Value is leading a group that has offered $9 billion to acquire retailing giant Kohl’s has raised the profile of two small, obscure activist hedge funds — Macellum Advisors and Engine Capital Management.

The two little-known firms put Kohl’s in play over the past year, launching proxy fights and publicly pushing for change at the embattled retailer before Starboard made its public offer.

Macellum

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