Mike Burkart

Mike Burkart is Professor of Finance at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he earned his PhD in Economics in 1996. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Basel (1989). As an ECGI Research Associate since 2004, his work focuses on corporate governance and financial contracting, with a particular emphasis on takeover dynamics, shareholder rights, and board governance.

• PhD, Economics (1996) - LSE
• BA, Economics (1989) - University of Basel

His research explores corporate control mechanisms, including leveraged buyouts, activism, and minority shareholder protections. Recent publications analyze the interplay between shareholder activism and takeover strategies, the role of debt in corporate acquisitions, and institutional design in governance.

Key trends in his work include the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate decision-making, the dynamics of takeover premia, and the evolution of voting rights debates in corporate law.

Scientific Awards

• ECGI Research Associate (2004)

He has contributed extensively to the ECGI Finance Series, with notable papers on mandatory bids, squeeze-outs, and the theoretical foundations of corporate governance. His collaborations with scholars like Samuel Lee and Fausto Panunzi highlight his focus on interdisciplinary financial research.