February 8, 2010
Termination of merger negotiations with Suntory
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited ("Kirin"), which has been in merger negotiations with Suntory Holdings Limited ("Suntory"), today announced that the negotiations have been terminated.
Kirin had been negotiating on the premise that the new entity would be managed as a listed company in order to ensure appropriate management independence and transparency. However, it became apparent that Suntory held a different view on this matter, and Kirin determined that even if negotiations were to continue, they were unlikely to result in the establishment of a company that would fulfill Kirin's aim of developing as a leading global company and earn the understanding and approval of Kirin's domestic and overseas customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. Kirin therefore resolved to terminate the negotiations.
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