Market divided on SoftBank's response to Elliott's proposal

Some analysts skeptical of activist's 3% stake fueling more buybacks

The U.S. fund has met with SoftBank's top management, including CEO Masayoshi Son, as it pushes the Japanese group to up its game.

WATARU SUZUKI and RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writers

February 7, 2020 10:31 JST

Updated on February 7, 2020 17:28 JST

TOKYO -- SoftBank Group shares jumped on Friday after reports emerged that U.S. activist hedge fund Elliott Management has amassed a stake in the Japanese technology conglomerate. But analysts are divided on whether Elliott's investment will prompt more buybacks and changes in SoftBank's investment strategy.