Relational Investors Boosts Stake in Unum Group (UNM) to 7.49%

In an amended 13D filing after the close Friday on Unum Group (NYSE: UNM), Relational Investors disclosed a 7.49% stake (25.7 million shares) in the company. This is up from the 6.21% stake (21.3 million shares) the firm disclosed in the original 13D filing in mid-March. The firm held a 14.37 million share stake in UNM for the quarter ended December 31, 2006.

In the original 13D filing, Relational Investors said they believe that several major factors have contributed to the Shares' undervaluation and underperformance including the Company's history of: (i) repeated, significant, one-time reserve and settlement charges against reported earnings, (ii) poor operating results and (iii) poor forecasting. Relational said it intend to closely monitor the management's progress toward achieving the Company’s 2007-2008 performance targets.

Link to report on original 13D filing.