We document a network of information flow between activists and other investors prior to 13D filings. We use EDGAR search activity matched to investor IP addresses to identify specific investors who persistently download information on an individual activist’s campaign targets in the days prior to that activist’s 13D disclosures. This apparent leaking of activist campaign plans seems to benefit both parties: the informed investor, unnamed in the 13D, increases its holdings in the targeted stock prior to the price surge upon 13D disclosure, while the activist earns voting support that increases their likelihood of pursuing and winning a proxy fight. 

Keywords: Activist campaigns, Investor coordination, Investor search activity, Proxy fights
JEL Classification: G14, G30, G34, G38​