Japan: Kirin Brewery Company announced acquisition of Two Dogs brand

Kirin Brewery Company, Limited ("Kirin") announced on March 3 that in February it had signed a contract with Pernod Ricard Australia to acquire the world's first fermented lemon low alcohol beverage, the Two Dogs brand, from its group company, Two Dogs International. The agreement includes trademark rights, manufacturing methods and other intellectual property rights relating to the Two Dogs brand.

One of the key strategies of Kirin's business plan for 2006 is to make further progress in developing as a comprehensive alcohol beverages company, centered on strengthening the brand line-up in the RTD (Ready To Drink) category. The acquisition of the Two Dogs brand, which Kirin has been importing since 1998, reflects this strategy, and Kirin will be working to build further support for a brand that has proved popular with younger adult drinkers.

Global demand for RTDs has shown continued growth, and Japan is the largest market1. Kirin will begin preparations to relaunch the Two Dogs brand in Japan, and through unified management of the brand from production through to sale aims to maintain the highest standards of quality and taste control. Kirin will also be working to expand the RTD market, and will consider adding new varieties to the popular lemon flavor Two Dogs that is currently available.

Outline of the Two Dogs product
1. Name Two Dogs
2. Description • A low-alcohol beverage developed in Australia, enjoyed by younger adult drinkers in markets worldwide. Characterized by a clear, refreshing flavor created from lemon juice in an unusual 'lemon brew' fermenting process.
• First imported to Japan by Kirin in 1998, with sales to date of 5.26 million cases (250ml X 24)

Outline of Pernod Ricard Australia
1. Name Pernod Ricard Australia Pty Ltd
2. Representative Laurent Lacassagne
3. Headquarters 33 Exeter Terrace Devon Park SA, Australia
4. Main business Manufacture and sale of wines and spirits

Outline of Two Dogs International
1. Name Two Dogs International Pty Ltd
2. Representative Laurent Lacassagne
3. Headquarters 33 Exeter Terrace Devon Park SA, Australia
4. Main business Manufacture and sale of Two Dogs low alcohol beverage

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