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Investor group advises Toyo Suisan to concentrate on instantaneous noodles, exit tradition companies

A financier group is prompting Toyo Suisan Kaisha to think about exiting its tradition services plus raise its dividend and buy back shares, arguing these steps might approximately double the Japanese ramen noodle maker's share rate, a report seen says.

The group, led by private equity firm Nihon Global Development Partners Management (NHGGP), owns a 3.8% stake in the business, which owns Maruchan Inc, a hugely popular instant noodle maker. Together the investors sent 4 investor proposals which, if passed at this year's yearly meeting, may lift the share price to approximately JPY 17,300, the report states.

NHGGP, which purchases Japanese listed business that are growing rapidly outside of Japan, stated the business should leave its refrigerated storage facility company and consider a sale to tactical buyer or a public listing.

It also proposed Toyo Suisan separate its processed foods and seafood trading service, arguing business are not large or competitive enough to cover their expense of capital.

We see no strategic reasons to continue holding the tradition businesses but many good tactical factors for leaving them, the report said. Toyo Suisan's return for investors has lagged rival Nissin by more than 20% from 2021 to 2023, the report stated, noting this gap can be closed.

An agent for the company was not right away readily available for comment.

More instantly, the financier group desires the company to increase its dividend payment ratio to 40% from its historic levels of around 30%, arguing a boost would not hurt the business's capability to purchase the future and would bring it more in line with peers' payouts.

It likewise desires the business to redeem JPY20 billion worth of stock, or 2% of shares impressive and revamp director and management payment to connect 40% of compensation to efficiency.

Finally the financier group desires a much better description of how management spends capital, including why billions are funneled into the legacy business rather of the international noodle organization, for instance.

Our company believe our proposals will help to narrow the gap in between the business's existing share price and its long-lasting business values, the report said.

NHGGP and its allies have consulted with the Toyo Suisan's. investor relations personnel over the past year. It also asked to. meet senior management and board members before sending. its shareholder proposals.

Brian Doyle, NHGGP's managing director, said Toyo Suisan has. significant potential but kept in mind the business must catch up to. its peers in regards to capital allotment, shareholder returns. and strategic focus in order to guarantee it takes its place as a. real global leader and does not get left.

Shareholder propositions acquired more traction in Japan last. year as a number of resolutions received higher assistance,. according to data from proxy solicitor Georgeson, at a time. momentum in shareholder advocacy is growing on the planet's. third-largest economy.

(source: Reuters)