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Okinawa-based Orion Breweries
The beer biz continues to ‘rock it” all around the world…And here’s just some of what’s happened so far this week…
Japanese and American Investment Firm to Acquire a Majority Stake in Japan’s Orion Breweries
Nomura Holdings and US investment company, The Carlyle Group, will jointly acquire a majority stake in Japan’s fifth-largest beer producer, the Okinawa-based Orion Breweries, according to the Nikkei Asian Review affording Japan’s fifth biggest beer producer to expand into overseas markets including the US.
Founded in 1957, Orion currently commands a 0.9% market share in the country, according to the Brewers Association of Japan. The company posted ¥28.3 billion (US$260 million) in group sales, and ¥2.3 billion in net profit through March of 2018.
Japan’s largest brewer, Asahi, who recently purchased the entire beer business and distribution business from the UK brewer Fuller’s for $327 million, also owns a 10% stake in the brewery, a relationship which is expected to continue.
Scottish Brewer and Distiller Eden Mill Acquires English Brewery
Scottish brewery and distillery Eden Mill is poised to increase its already considerable reach after acquiring the Eden River Brewery in Cumbria, England.
Launched in 2012 Eden Mill became Scotland’s first combined brewery and distillery and its acquisition of Eden River’s entire holdings will allow them access to that brewery’s significant bottling operation and the ability to double its overall capacity.
Paul Miller, the co-founder of Eden Mill was understandably excited…
“Thanks to a growth trend amongst our customer base and our ongoing partnership with big retailers such as, Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, (UK grocery store chains) our acquisition of Eden River Brewery will allow us to drastically increase our production of many of our products.”
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Orion Breweries image credit: Orion Breweries and Eden Mill image: Eden Mill
