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Starboard’s Jeff Smith Urges Tripadvisor to Explore Sale of TheFork or Entire Company

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Starboard Value CEO Jeff Smith called on Tripadvisor (TRIP.O) to consider selling its restaurant reservation platform TheFork—and potentially the entire company—as part of a broader effort to unlock shareholder value. Speaking at the 13D Monitor Active Passive Investment Summit in New York, Smith said Tripadvisor’s brand remains “amazing,” but the company has “a huge opportunity to transform and reimagine the user experience to improve revenue growth.”

Tripadvisor operates three main businesses: its flagship travel review and hotel booking platform, Viator, which specializes in tours and experiences, and TheFork, a restaurant booking service. Smith said TheFork, being “the most easily separable and least integrated” of the trio, could be sold “at an attractive multiple.” He also raised the possibility of divesting or restructuring the entire company to unlock more value.

Starboard, which has built a 9% stake in Tripadvisor this year, has been in discussions with the company’s management for weeks. Smith argued that Tripadvisor is “too cheap for a company that is growing” and highlighted Viator’s potential, calling experience booking “the fastest-growing segment in travel.”

In a statement, Tripadvisor said it “values constructive engagement with all shareholders” and remains committed to driving long-term value.

Smith also pointed to significant cost-cutting opportunities within Tripadvisor’s core brand, especially if revenue growth doesn’t accelerate. The hedge fund’s proposal echoes similar activist campaigns where Starboard has pushed for structural changes and asset sales to boost shareholder returns.

Samsung’s Harman Acquires Masimo’s Audio Unit for $350 Million to Bolster Global Audio Market Position

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Samsung Electronics announced on Wednesday that its subsidiary Harman International has signed a $350 million deal to acquire the audio business of U.S.-based medical and consumer technology company Masimo. The move is aimed at strengthening Harman’s leadership in the global consumer audio market, which is projected to grow from $60.8 billion in 2025 to $70 billion by 2029.

Samsung said the acquisition will create synergies with its existing businesses, particularly mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances, enhancing its competitive edge in high-end sound and audio technologies.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy Samsung outlined in March during its annual shareholder meeting, where executives emphasized the importance of pursuing “meaningful” mergers and acquisitions to drive growth and respond to investor concerns. The company signaled its determination to deliver tangible results in 2025, and this deal marks a key step toward that goal.

Harman, known for brands such as JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG, will now be further empowered to expand its reach in the premium and professional audio segments by integrating Masimo’s audio assets.

Rapid7 Reaches Settlement with Jana Partners, Adds Three New Directors to Board

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Rapid7, a cybersecurity company based in Boston, announced on Monday that it has reached an agreement with activist investor Jana Partners to add three new directors to its board. The new members—Wael Mohamed, Mike Burns, and Kevin Galligan—bring expertise in digital transformation, finance, operations, and investment strategies. One of the new directors is a partner from Jana Partners.

CEO Corey Thomas stated that the new additions will help the company refine its strategy, improve execution, and drive greater value for shareholders. Jana Partners’ managing partner, Scott Ostfeld, expressed satisfaction with the engagement, calling it “highly constructive” and noting optimism about Rapid7’s steps to enhance its leadership and operational capabilities.

The settlement comes after ongoing discussions between the two sides about ways to increase Rapid7’s share price, which has been affected by broader economic uncertainties. The company, which specializes in vulnerability management, has faced heightened competition as businesses reduce security spending. Rapid7’s stock has dropped 41% in the past year and 28% this year, reducing its market value to approximately $1.8 billion.

Jana Partners holds a 5.8% stake in Rapid7, amounting to 3.7 million shares, according to a regulatory filing. The company had previously been exploring potential acquisitions with interest from buyout firms such as Advent, Bain Capital, and EQT.