JAPAN: Suntory to consolidate Chinese ops - report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 9 May 2006

Suntory is planning to take full control of its subsidiary and a joint venture in China in a move to bolster its presence there, according to local reports.

The Japanese drinks group is looking to double its annual soft drinks output to 5m cases, the Nihon Keizai Shimbum said today (9 May).

In 1995, Suntory set up a manufacturing and sales venture with Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co and others. Suntory's Chinese unit - Suntory (China) Holding Co.- will acquire its partner's stakes of 30% in the joint venture and 6.4% in its affiliate for about JPY1bn (US$9m), the report added.

Suntory also owns two breweries in China, Suntory Brewing (Shanghai) Co. and Suntory Brewing (Kunshan) Co.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks

Companies: Suntory