**US Securities and Exchange Commission Investigates Ryan Cohen’s Ownership and Sale of Bed Bath & Beyond Shares**
**New York –** The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating the ownership and sale of Bed Bath & Beyond shares by activist investor Ryan Cohen, according to people familiar with the matter.
The SEC is examining whether Cohen, the co-founder of online pet supply retailer Chewy, violated any insider trading laws when he sold his entire stake in Bed Bath & Beyond in August 2022. Cohen had disclosed his ownership of a 9.8% stake in the company in March 2022 and had been a vocal critic of its management.
The SEC is also looking into whether Cohen’s sale of his shares was coordinated with other investors, including RC Ventures, a firm affiliated with Cohen. RC Ventures had acquired a 13.5% stake in Bed Bath & Beyond in January 2023.
The SEC’s investigation is in its early stages, and it is not clear whether any charges will be filed. However, the investigation is a sign that the SEC is taking a closer look at the activities of activist investors, who have increasingly used social media to communicate with shareholders and influence corporate decisions.
Cohen is a well-known figure in the world of investing. He co-founded Chewy in 2011 and sold the company to PetSmart in 2017 for $3.35 billion. Cohen has since become an active investor in a number of companies, including GameStop and AMC Entertainment Holdings.
Bed Bath & Beyond has been struggling in recent years, as it has faced competition from online retailers such as Amazon. The company has reported losses in each of the past three fiscal years and has closed hundreds of stores.
The SEC’s investigation could have a significant impact on Cohen and Bed Bath & Beyond. If Cohen is found to have violated insider trading laws, he could face civil or criminal penalties. The investigation could also damage the reputation of Bed Bath & Beyond and make it more difficult for the company to raise capital.
Representatives for the SEC, Cohen, and Bed Bath & Beyond did not immediately respond to requests for comment..
