Japan’s largest business lobby, Keidanren, has postponed a private meeting with activist hedge fund Elliott Investment Management that had been scheduled for 5 March, according to a report by Reuters citing a lobby official.
The meeting was intended to allow Elliott’s Japan-focused portfolio manager to outline the fund’s investment strategy and engagement approach, followed by a frank discussion with the business group.
Keidanren cited “various reasons” for the delay but declined to elaborate, while Elliott reportedly did not respond to requests for comment.
Elliott has been increasingly active in Japan, taking stakes in major companies and pushing for strategic and governance changes. The activist investor is currently opposing Toyota’s proposed buyout of forklift maker Toyota Industries, which has become a focal point for corporate governance reforms aimed at improving capital efficiency and dismantling cross-shareholdings. Elliott has criticised the deal as underpriced and lacking transparency.
The planned meeting would have come as Toyota extended its tender offer to 2 March after failing to secure sufficient shareholder support. Elliott has also taken stakes in other Keidanren members, including Tokyo Gas, Kansai Electric Power, and Sumitomo Realty & Development.
