Activist Gatemore Capital Management has called for research and data analytics company YouGov (YOU) to put itself up for sale, arguing that the current management’s lack of timely guidance on financials has “eroded investor confidence” in the company.
Gatemore’s managing partner, Liad Meidar, said that although the company had faith in YouGov’s long-term potential, “urgent actions are needed” if it is to realise its true value following a period of underperformance that has led to its share price falling by 70 per cent from its 2022 peak.
"YouGov could thrive under new ownership, leaving behind its current governance issues and the malaise of being listed on Aim," he added. Missteps alleged by Gatemore include low levels of non-executive director share ownership and "sustained lack of clarity" over medium-term targets. These include boosting revenue from around £350mn a year to £650mn and increasing the adjusted operating profit from 15 to 25 per cent.