Will Group Chairman Ryosuke Ikeda Sells Shares to Nezu Engagement Fund for Long-Term Engagement

Ryosuke Ikeda's Strategic Move to Enhance Corporate Value

Will Group, a prominent company based in Nakano, Tokyo, has recently made news with the strategic decision by its chairman, Ryosuke Ikeda, to sell a portion of his shares to the Nezu Engagement Fund. This decision, reported on September 29, 2025, marks a significant step in the company's efforts to enhance its value and foster stronger relations with its stakeholders.

Background of the Sale

The Nezu Engagement Fund was established in July 2025 by David Snowdy and Hiromitsu Kahoku, with a focus on collaborating closely with the management of its portfolio companies. The fund aims to drive structural reforms, thereby maximizing long-term corporate and shareholder value. Ryosuke Ikeda believes that this collaboration will significantly benefit the company's potential for growth, as well as enhance the interests of shareholders.

In a climate where Japanese companies face persistent challenges, such as lower return on equity (ROE) and price-to-book ratios (PBR) below one, there has been growing demand from both domestic and international investors for improved capital efficiency. The Tokyo Stock Exchange has urged listed companies to adopt strategies that consider capital costs and impact on stock prices, prompting many firms to reassess their business portfolios and reduce policy holdings while enhancing shareholder returns. As such, fostering constructive collaboration between shareholders and management has become increasingly crucial.

Within this context, the opportunity presented by the Nezu Engagement Fund was thoroughly evaluated by the board of directors. The consensus was that partnering with this fund aligns with the company’s mission to improve long-term and sustainable corporate value, ultimately benefiting shareholders.

Goals of the Engagement

Will Group aims to become a valuable entity for all stakeholders, including shareholders, dispatched employees, executives, and customers, through this engagement with the Nezu Engagement Fund. By embarking on structural and collaborative reforms, the company intends to respond effectively to the demands of the capital markets and integrate these into its management strategies.

The specifics of the share sale involve approximately 232,000 shares, representing about 1% of the total shares outstanding as of June 2025. The shares were sold through off-market trading, further emphasizing the strategic and carefully considered nature of this transaction.

Conclusion

This initiative reflects Will Group's commitment to advancing its business strategies and embracing reforms that will bolster corporate value. The ongoing dialogue with the Nezu Engagement Fund will be instrumental in not only aligning with current market expectations but also ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are prioritized. As the company moves forward, the emphasis will remain on cultivating a more efficient and profitable organization, ultimately positioning itself as a leader within the industry.

As this unfolds, all eyes will be on Will Group to see how these changes translate into tangible outcomes for its shareholders and the broader market.