Nelson Peltz: from Mickey Mouse to ratcatcher

After failing to snare the world’s most famous mouse Nelson Peltz has now got his sights on a ratcatcher.

The activist investor has taken a ‘significant’ position in pest-control firm Rentokil.

Through his vehicle Trian Partners, he now ranks among Rentokil’s ‘top ten’ shareholders albeit the precise amount of shares or percentage stake in the company has yet to be disclosed.

The activist, who sought to steer Disney earlier this year, said it had “reached out” to Rentokil to “discuss ideas and initiatives to improve shareholder value”.

Rentokil shares traded up 14% to close Wednesday’s session at around 475p.

Even after today’s rally, the share is down close to 27% for the past 12 months amid uncertainties over its North American business.