Garden Investments takes stake in Middleby, to push for changes, WSJ reports

Garden Investments, a new firm started by Trian Fund Management co-founder Ed Garden, has built a stake of nearly 5% in Middleby (MIDD) and plans to push for changes that could boost the stock, The Wall Street Journal’s Lauren Thomas reports. Garden is looking to continue buying more stock, the people say, noting that Middleby is its first investment. Garden Investments is planning to push a renewed focus on Middleby’s core commercial food service segment, while reviewing other parts of the business, including its residential segment, the people say.