The company situation is somewhat dated but the topic is very current. GE (General Electric) is a classic conglomerate operating in multiple industries. It's ownership is primarily large institutions (banks, mutual funds, insurance) but a new twist of activist investors has entered the scene. These companies buy a controlling interest in a firm and are able to influence significant changes in strategy - obviously for their benefit. This could have an impact on many aspects of the target company mission, leadership, product mix, and types of strategies to pursue.

Is the activist investor company Trian Partners an opportunity or threat for the GE company? What about other company owners (stockholders and lenders)?