JAPAN: Sapporo looks to seal domestic acquisition

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 1 November 2006

Japanese beer maker Sapporo is reportedly set to buy the brewing facilities of regional brewer Ginga Kogen Beer Co. for JPY500m (US$4.3m).

Sapporo has signed an agreement with the owners of Ginga Kogen and plans to finalise the deal at the end of the month, local reports said today (1 November).

Construction firm Higashi Nihon House Co. owns Ginga Kogen Beer, which has been in liquidation since March, the report said.

Sapporo's takeover of Canadian brewer Sleeman Breweries was sealed last month, an acquisition that the brewer hopes will give it greater access to the North American market.

However, Sapporo has found the going tough domestically. In August, the brewer posted a net loss of JPY3.9bn for the six months to the end of June. The result compared to a loss of JPY5.2bn last year. However, the brewer saw sales fall 4% to JPY200.1bn.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Sapporo