Core Viewpoint - Unilever Plc has postponed the demerger of its Magnum Ice Cream Co. due to the US government shutdown, but it still anticipates completing the spinoff within the year [1][3]. Group 1: Demerger Details - The demerger was initially scheduled for mid-November, with primary listings planned in the Netherlands and secondary listings in London and New York [3]. - Unilever is exploring alternative methods to facilitate the ice cream company's listing on the NYSE, as the SEC has established a process for IPOs to proceed during the government shutdown, albeit with a delay [4]. Group 2: Business Performance - Unilever has been working on the separation of its ice cream division since last year to revitalize its business and address sluggish growth, as the unit has faced inconsistent performance due to seasonality, high production costs, and rising cocoa prices [5]. - Recently, sales in the ice cream unit have shown improvement, particularly in the US, which is the largest market for its brands, including Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, and Magnum [6]. Group 3: Shareholding Post-Demerger - Following the split, Unilever will retain approximately 20% of Magnum's share capital for a period of up to five years [7].

Core Strategy - Kao Corporation plans to revamp its cosmetics business with a focus on six core brands: Sensai, Molton Brown, Kanebo, Sofina, Curel, and Kate [2][10] - The company aims for a net sales target of 400 billion yen (US$2.68 billion) and an operating margin of 15 percent by 2030 [2][11] Brand-Specific Plans - Curel is expected to see accelerated growth, with plans to increase its store presence in Europe by sixfold and generate 50 percent of total sales outside Japan by 2027 [3] - Sensai and Molton Brown will target the Asian luxury market, aiming for a 150 percent increase in Sensai sales and a doubling of Molton Brown sales in Asia by 2027 [4] - Kanebo and Kate will adapt their strategies to the unique characteristics of each Asian market, starting with a target of boosting sales by 150 percent in Thailand by 2027 [5] - Sofina and its sub-brands will be consolidated to enhance sales in Asia by 50 percent by 2027 [5] Profitability and Growth Initiatives - The revamp includes a broader focus on improving profitability and fostering long-term growth through core technologies, cost reductions, and the application of digital and AI technologies [6] - The restructuring process will be led by Tomoko Uchiyama, who emphasizes the company's adaptability to market dynamics [7][8]