Starboard Value Pushes for Changes at Match Group

Activist hedge fund Starboard Value LP has acquired approximately 6.6% of Match Group Inc.'s shares and is urging the company to enhance shareholder value through margin improvements, cost cuts, and product innovation, particularly for its flagship app, Tinder. Starboard has suggested that if these measures fail, Match should consider going private. Match Group, which also owns Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish, has seen its stock decline by about 12% this year, despite a recent surge following the news of Starboard's involvement. Other activist investors, including Elliott Investment Management, have also pushed for changes, adding new board members earlier this year. Match Group's management has expressed commitment to growth initiatives and maintaining financial discipline while being open to dialogue with investors. The company's shares rose nearly 9% in response to the activist interest from Starboard.