Carl Icahn Drops Proxy Fight Against Kroger After McDonald's Defeat

By Dave Simpson
Carl Icahn Drops Proxy Fight Against Kroger After McDonald's Defeat

Carl Icahn has decided to drop his proxy fight against Kroger Co KR.N over the treatment of pregnant pigs, the billionaire investor said on Monday 6 June, days after losing a similar battle at McDonald's Corp MCD.N.

Details

Icahn is withdrawing his nominees to Kroger's board, he said in a statement to shareholders of both the companies.

The activist investor nominated two directors to the supermarket chain's board in March, a month after taking on McDonald's.

Icahn has criticised the companies for their treatment of animals, saying confining pigs in crates during their pregnancy is inhumane. He pushed McDonald's to change how it sources its pork - a move the burger chain said was "completely unfeasible".

"I was surprised and initially disheartened by the disappointing McDonald's vote," Icahn said, after the fast-food restaurant's shareholders re-elected all of its directors in May, ending Icahn's attempt to clinch two board seats.

ADVERTISEMENT

Icahn, who also criticised wage disparities at Kroger, said these campaigns were different from his typical fights as both the companies are performing well financially.

The grocer has previously said it is not directly involved in raising or processing of any animals and that its board and committees directly oversee its animal welfare strategies.

"We will continue to engage with stakeholders and shareholders to inform our policies," a Kroger spokesperson said in response to Icahn's move.

First Reported

The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Sunday 5 June.

News by Reuters, edited by Hospitality Ireland. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.