Gosling's Grouse: Under the influence

Under the influence

The dust has settled on the soap opera that was Alliance Trust and Elliott Advisors, but the ending was about as disappointing as an EastEnders' Christmas special.

War was halted with the appointment of two non-executive directors, albeit they were two people suggested by headhunters appointed by Elliott in the first place. The independence and integrity of the individuals is beyond reproach but, for a debate that was carried out so publicly, we were surely expecting something more significant as a finale. AT’s Katherine Garrett-Cox was right to point out her remuneration package would not have been such an issue had she been a man but, equally, Elliott and previous activist investors would not have come calling if the share price of the company...