Sydney, 13 January 2003: Australian brewer and wine maker Lion Nathan Limited has announced that it has secured the exclusive rights to manufacture, market and sell “Kirin Ichiban”, and the new “Kirin Seijun” beer in China. That follows the Chinese beer licensing deal with Kirin Brewery, the Japanese drinks group that holds a 46% stake in Lion Nathan.

Lion Nathan has two breweries in China, one in Suzhou and the other in Wuxi and sells such beer brands as Taihusui, Steinlager and Rheineck, mainly in the Jiangsu Province and Shanghai area. “The Licensing Agreement will enable both Kirin and Lion Nathan to grow their beer business in the Yangtze River Delta by leveraging their mutual strengths,” Lion Nathan CEO Gordon Cairns said.

Lion Nathan has been struggling in the Chinese market in recent years but the group's losses are being reduced as volumes improve. Last year, Lion Nathan recorded a loss of A$7.7m. ($1=A$1.72)

14 January, 2003