Asahi To Acquire Beverage Maker From Ajinomoto

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., a beer-based beverage conglomerate, announced that Asahi will acquire all outstanding shares of Calpis Co., Ltd., a soft drink maker, from Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a major seasoning manufacturer. Asahi will pay about 100 billion yen to Ajinomoto. Calpis is proud of its 107 billion yen net sales as of March 2012. Asahi is aiming to expand its soft drink business through this deal and will become the No.3 player following the Coca-Cola group and Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd..