12 Takeover Rumors Targeted by Short Sellers

9. BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL)

Short Percentage of Float: 10.50%

BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL) is one of the takeover rumors targeted by short sellers.

The key development came on March 10, 2026, when BlackLine disclosed that its strategic committee could lay the groundwork for a potential merger, sale, or similar strategic transaction, giving formal shape to the idea that the company could end up in play rather than merely being the subject of loose market chatter.

That same day, BlackLine said it had reached a cooperation agreement with activist Engaged Capital, added Storm Duncan and Megan Prichard to the board, and put Duncan on the strategic committee, which the company said: “has been, and continues to be, empowered to evaluate strategic transactions involving the Company.”

This did not come out of nowhere. In January, activist pressure had already escalated after Engaged pushed for new directors and pressed BlackLine to pursue strategic options, including a possible sale.

BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL) provides cloud software that helps finance and accounting teams automate financial close, intercompany, and invoice-to-cash workflows.