The biggest Japanese beer group, Asahi Breweries Ltd, is in negotiation with privately-owned regional brewer, Orion Beer Co., to acquire a 10% share, as reported by Japanese business daily, Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The deal would make Asahi the largest individual shareholder in Okinawa-based Orion.

Asahi and Orion have been discussing a possible strategic alliance since last year. According to the report, the companies believe the deal between Asahi and Orion would facilitate cooperation in product development, production and marketing of both beer and happoshu. In terms of scale, Orion is dwarfed by the mighty Asahi, with its sales representing a domestic market share of around 0.7%.

19 August, 2002