An activism-shy BlackRock throws a surprise punch

Steven Davidoff Solomon writes for The New York Times, April 5, 2016

BlackRock has run its first significant activist campaign, and that means something. Activists, however short- or long-termist, have beaten an extremely well-worn path for how to influence companies. That BlackRock is using that path shows how worn it is; BlackRock is now willing to challenge management openly when the line is crossed.