8-19-08: In a 13D filing on Epicor Software (Nasdaq: EPIC), Elliott Associates disclosed a 9.9% stake (5,978,483 shares) in the company. Elliott disclosed that they have made inquiries of the company as to whether they have considered exploring strategic alternatives. They also reserve the right to hold further talks with management, the Board of Directors or others. Epicor Software Corporation designs, develops, markets, and supports enterprise application software solutions and services. Elliott Associates is a $9.8 billion New York-based hedge fund founded by Paul Singer. The fund has beaten the S&P 500 for 30 years. According to Bloomberg, sinces its launch in 1977, the fund has returned 14.7% a year after fees. Labels: Elliott Associates, EPIC, Epicor Software

8-18-08 In a 13D filing on Hill-Rom Holdings (NYSE: HRC), Richard Breeden's Breeden Capital disclosed a 5.25% stake (3,278,409 shares) in the company. Which is up from the 2,478,618 share stake held at the quarter ended 6/30/08. A 13D indicates a possible activist investment. In a pretty standard disclosure, Breeden didn't make any direct requests on the company, but said they will monitor the investment and may be in contact with members of management or the board or others about the investment. Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. provides medical technologies and related services for the health care industry. Breeden Capital is a Greenwich, CT-based hedge fund founded by Richard Breeden, a former SEC chief turned activist investor. Richard Breeden was elected as Chairman of H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) after successfully pushing for changes at the embattled tax preparer.

8-12-08: In a 13D filing on Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB), Carl Icahn disclosed he raised his stake in the company to 6.03% (17,511,304 shares). This is up from the 9,948,723 share stake held at the quarter ended 3/31/08. Icahn noted that his representatives have had, and from time to time may seek to continue to have, discussions with representatives of Biogen Idec to discuss general business issues relating to the Issuer as well as their concerns relating to shareholder value. Icahn disclosed he paid $916,501,219 for the position, or about $52 per share. Shares of Biogen are currently at $50.76. Shares of Biogen Idec sank 28% on 8/1 after disclosing two additional TYSABRI-relate PML cases. The filing showed, Icahn accumulated large sums of stock after that drop. Carl Icahn is one of the most prolific activist investors in the market today. He has had mixed results lately, but a strong long-term track record.

8-5-08: In a 13D filing on Longs Drug Stores (NYSE: LDG), Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital hedge fund disclosed an 8.8% stake (3,137,659 shares) in the company and noted they have hired advisors and may meet with management or others regarding the business. From the Filing: "Representatives of the Reporting Persons may in the future meet with management of the Issuer, other stockholders of the Issuer or other relevant parties to engage in discussions that may include matters relating to the strategy, business, assets, operations, capital structure and/or financial condition, governance, management, strategic plans of the Issuer, and future plans of the Issuer... The Reporting Persons have engaged advisors and may engage additional advisors." Bill Ackman's Pershing Square hedge fund is a long/short equity fund with an activist bent. Ackman holds large positions in Target (NYSE: TGT) and Borders (NYSE: BGP), among others. Ackman proved his acumen as a short seller in 2007/2008 as short positions he held in MBIA (NYSE: MBI) and Ambac (NYSE: ABK) proved to be big winners due to the credit crunch