Suntory and Kirin

The confirmation on Monday (13 July) that Japan's two largest drinks companies - Kirin and Suntory - are in discussions on merging their operations may have caught the industry by surprise, but the reasons for the move have quickly become apparent. The implications for the global drinks business are equally clear. Julian Ryall reports from Tokyo.

Spotlight - The hurdles for Kirin and Suntory

17 July 2009

JAPAN: Kirin Holdings, Suntory to merge?

13 July 2009

Kirin Holdings has said that no deal has been reached on a potential merger with brewing rival Suntory, but the group did not deny talks between the two rivals.

Comment - Suntory/Kirin - Enter Godzilla

13 July 2009

The US has Budweiser, the so-called King of Beers. Soon Japan may have a Godzilla. Kirin, the country's biggest maker of suds, is mulling a merger with family-owned drinks maker Suntory, according to the local press. The resulting monster would have a dominant position in the Japanese beer market, could create lashings of synergies and might even do some damage overseas.