JANA Partners

JANA Partners

Acronym
JANA
Entity Type
Founding Date
2001

JANA Partners is a veteran activist investment firm based in New York City. Founded in 2001 by Barry Rosenstein, JANA invests in undervalued public companies and engages with management teams and boards to unlock value for shareholders. The firm employs a fundamental value discipline to identify companies with potential catalysts for value creation. This strategy includes traditional shareholder activism and, in some cases, the sponsorship of special purpose acquisition companies.

ABOUT JANA PARTNERS

  • JANA Partners is a prominent activist hedge fund that leverages shareholder engagement with the goal of creating substantial value for both investors and stakeholders.

  • The firm specializes in event-driven investing, focusing on undervalued public companies where shareholder engagement can unlock significant value.

  • Since 2010, the firm has operated JANA Strategic Investments (JSI), an activist-only strategy that emphasizes constructive shareholder engagement to generate consistent returns.


NOTABLE INVESTMENTS

The firm played a significant role in Amazon's $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017, realizing a $300 million profit from its investment.

  • PetSmart. 

In 2014, JANA acquired a 10% stake in PetSmart and advocated for a sale, leading to the company's $8.7 billion leveraged buyout by BC Partners.​

  • ConAgra Brands. 

The firm pushed for strategic changes and leadership adjustments, contributing to the company's growth and operational improvements.

  • Lamb Weston Holdings. 

In 2024, JANA acquired a 5% stake and urged significant board changes or a potential sale following disappointing financial results and management decisions.