Kao shareholders side with management over activist fund Oasis, for now

Japanese consumer products group says its global strategy has support

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Hong Kong-based Oasis Management nominated five outside directors for Kao, but all were rejected at the general shareholders meeting on March 21. (Photo by Ryota Nishiyama)

RYOTA NISHIYAMA, YUME NAMEKATA and NOBUAKI NISHITO

TOKYO -- Kao's shareholders rejected proposals submitted by Hong Kong-based activist investor Oasis Management on Friday, though the Japanese consumer goods group faces pressure to accelerate its global expansion to keep them on its side.

The annual general meeting drew 478 shareholders, up 60% from last year. Oasis presented four proposals: the election of five outside directors, including former KFC and Procter & Gamble executives; higher compensation for outside directors; stock-based compensation for outside directors; and the approval of a long-term incentive scheme for internal directors.

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