Activist Oasis takes 3% stake in Kao, urges strategic shifts

Oasis Management calls for Kao to prioritize international marketing and streamline its brand portfolio to boost share price.

Hong Kong-based Oasis Management revealed a 3% ownership in Japan's Kao, advocating for significant operational changes.
Oasis argues that Kao could increase its share price by 76% with a focus on international marketing and a streamlined brand portfolio.
Kao's stock price has risen over 6% since Oasis's proposals were made public, though Kao has expressed skepticism about Oasis's understanding of its business.
Oasis criticizes Kao for lacking board members with international marketing experience and calls for more diversity, noting a decrease in female board members.
Shareholder activism is on the rise in Japan, with Oasis considering options to encourage Kao's management to adopt its recommendations, including submitting shareholder proposals.