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Elliott Management Targets London Stock Exchange

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 16:56 GMT by socastsrm.com
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LONDON - February 18th, 2026 - The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is facing mounting pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, demanding significant changes to its strategy and capital allocation. A recent Bloomberg News report has revealed the extent of Elliott's proposals, which include a comprehensive review of the controversial Refinitiv acquisition, potential divestments of non-core assets, and a substantial GBP5 billion share buyback program. This escalation marks a pivotal moment for the LSEG, potentially reshaping its future direction and shareholder returns.

Elliott, known for its aggressive yet often successful interventions in major corporations, has reportedly been steadily accumulating a significant stake in the LSEG, signalling its long-term commitment to unlocking perceived value. The firm's demands aren't simply about short-term gains; they represent a fundamental challenge to the LSEG's post-Refinitiv strategy and its vision for the future of financial market infrastructure.

Refinitiv Acquisition Under Scrutiny:

The GBP27 billion acquisition of Refinitiv in 2021 was touted as a transformative deal for the LSEG, creating a financial data and infrastructure powerhouse. However, the integration has proven complex and, according to Elliott, has not yielded the expected synergies. The investor believes a partial sale of Refinitiv, or certain key divisions within it, could free up substantial capital and refocus the LSEG on its core strengths.

This isn't a new criticism. Since the deal closed, analysts have questioned the high price paid for Refinitiv and the challenges of integrating two large, complex organizations. While LSEG management maintains that Refinitiv is vital to its long-term growth, Elliott clearly disagrees, arguing that the potential benefits are outweighed by the associated costs and risks. The market is keenly watching to see whether Elliott's pressure will force the LSEG to reconsider its initial rationale for the acquisition.

Streamlining Operations & Capital Allocation:

Beyond Refinitiv, Elliott is advocating for a broader streamlining of operations across the LSEG. This includes identifying and divesting non-core assets that don't align with the group's strategic priorities. While the specifics of these potential divestments remain undisclosed, sources suggest Elliott may be targeting areas where the LSEG lacks a clear competitive advantage or where returns are insufficient.

The cornerstone of Elliott's proposal is the GBP5 billion share buyback program. This would represent a significant return of capital to shareholders, boosting earnings per share and potentially driving up the LSEG's stock price. Elliott argues that the LSEG is currently undervalued and that a substantial buyback would be a more efficient use of capital than pursuing further acquisitions or investing in uncertain growth projects.

A Shift in Activism:

Elliott's intervention highlights a broader trend of increased activist investing in the financial services sector. In a low-interest rate environment (though rates are currently elevated, the future is always uncertain), companies with substantial cash reserves, like the LSEG, are increasingly becoming targets for activists seeking to unlock value. The firm's approach appears to be a more aggressive stance than it has previously taken with the LSEG, indicating a belief that substantial change is necessary to address the company's underperformance.

Potential Outcomes and Impact:

The outcome of Elliott's campaign remains to be seen. The LSEG's board could choose to ignore Elliott's demands, but this would likely escalate the conflict and potentially lead to a proxy fight. Alternatively, the board could engage in negotiations with Elliott and consider implementing some or all of its proposals.

A successful campaign by Elliott could have significant implications for the LSEG and the wider financial landscape. A partial sale of Refinitiv could reshape the competitive dynamics of the financial data industry. A large share buyback would provide a boost to shareholders, while streamlining operations could improve the LSEG's efficiency and profitability. However, it could also lead to job losses and a reduced investment in long-term growth initiatives.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the financial sector and the evolving technological landscape. The LSEG is facing increasing competition from fintech companies and alternative trading platforms. Elliott's demands, while seemingly focused on short-term value creation, could inadvertently impact the LSEG's ability to adapt to these challenges. Investors will be closely monitoring the LSEG's response to Elliott's proposals and assessing the long-term implications for the company's future.