Starboard Secures Board Seats at Autodesk with Olshan's Guidance
Deal News | Apr 28, 2025 | Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP
Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP advised Starboard Value LP in reaching a cooperation agreement with Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology. The agreement entails appointing two new independent directors, Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons, to Autodesk's board. Additionally, Autodesk and Starboard announced an information-sharing agreement to enable ongoing collaboration, with the aim of enhancing sustainable value for shareholders. Key representatives from Olshan included Andrew Freedman, Meagan Reda, Mark Kiley, and Joseph Del Vicario.
Sectors
- Technology
- Legal Services
- Finance - Private Equity
Geography
- United States – Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, Starboard Value LP, and Autodesk, Inc. are all based in the United States, where the agreement took place.
Industry
- Technology – Autodesk is a major player in the 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology sectors.
- Legal Services – Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP provided legal advisory services to Starboard Value LP in this agreement.
- Finance - Private Equity – Starboard Value LP is a private equity firm engaging in shareholder activism to influence the direction of public companies.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | A prominent law firm that represented Starboard Value LP in its agreement with Autodesk. |
| Starboard Value LP | Private Equity Firm | Company | A private equity firm known for its shareholder activism strategies. |
| Autodesk, Inc. | Target Company | Company | A global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology solutions. |
| Jeff Epstein | New Director | People | Appointed as a new independent director on Autodesk's board. |
| Christie Simons | New Director | People | Appointed as a new independent director on Autodesk's board. |
| Andrew Freedman | Legal Advisor | People | Co-Managing Partner and Chair of Olshan's Shareholder Activism Practice. |
| Meagan Reda | Legal Advisor | People | Shareholder Activism partner at Olshan. |
| Mark Kiley | Legal Advisor | People | Associate at Olshan involved in the agreement. |
| Joseph Del Vicario | Legal Advisor | People | Law clerk at Olshan. |