New Man from the Pru must heed investors

Bank says Pru could float off US life business Jackson National an

By Colin Lokey:Prudential Financial (PRU) is one of the United States' largest financial services firms boasting over $784 billion in assets under management. Through its various businesses, units, and divisions it offers life-insurance, retirement services, mutual funds, investment management, and annuities to both U.S. and foreign clients.

Market Folly submits:Steven Heinz and Paul Ruddock's prominent U.K.-based hedge fund Lansdowne Partners have increased their short position in Prudential Plc (PUK). American readers please keep in mind that this is not the Prudential (PRU) that trades on the NYSE, it is a different company.

Editor’s Note: Brian Cheffins is a Professor of Corporate Law at the University of Cambridge. Hedge funds first began engaging in the assertive form of shareholder activism for which they are renowned in the United States, and the United States is where hedge fund activism has become most firmly entrenched as part of the corporate governance landscape.