National News

Kirin, Suntory hold merger talks

Kirin Holdings Co. and Suntory Holdings Ltd. have begun negotiating a merger aimed at surviving a shrinking beverage market amid a low birthrate and aging population in Japan, sources close to the matter said July 13. If realized, the merged entity will become Japan's top firm in both the beer and soft drink markets and one of the world's largest beverage companies. Combined, the two firms had consolidated sales of around ¥3.82 trillion in fiscal 2008. (Kyodo News)

Shukan ST: July 24, 2009

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