Mar. 03, 2023Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) has agreed with Meiji Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Meiji”) to acquire 100% of the shares of Meiji Sangyo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Meiji Sangyo”) as well as intangible assets such as related trademark rights*1 while also concluding a stock purchase agreement. After this acquisition of shares, Meiji Sangyo will become a consolidated subsidiary of Marubeni and will change its name (to be announced later).
Meiji Sangyo has a long and illustrious track record in the production and sale of gummi drops, ramune candies, and other candy. The company has also developed unique products, such as the popping and flavored candy mix “Pachi Pachi Panic” and the luxury Japanese grape-flavored “Shine Muscat” candy, and is the contract manufacturer of long-selling Meiji Brand products, including the “Yoglet” and “Hi-Lemon” candies.
Marubeni is engaged in the domestic confectionery distribution business through its subsidiary Yamaboshiya Co., Ltd., a wholesaler specializing in confectionery. By making Meiji Sangyo—a company with state-of-the-art factory management standards and manufacturing technologies—a subsidiary, Marubeni will strengthen its capacities to develop safe, secure, and differentiated products as well as gain marketing knowledge for fun and unique confectionery. The company will also have an eye on the further growth of the confectionery business by responding to the diversifying and sophisticated needs of consumers and retailers.
In the future, Marubeni will aim to improve the value of the confectionery and food business of the entire Marubeni Group while expanding the manufacturing business portfolio of the confectionery and food product group and looking ahead to overseas business development.
*1 In conjunction with this share acquisition, intangible assets, including trademark rights such as those for “Yoglet” and “High- Lemon,” which are currently sold by Meiji and have been loved and been familiar to consumers for many years, will also be transferred to Meiji Sangyo and will be sold as Meiji Sangyo original products. The seller switch is scheduled for around August 2023 with details to be announced by Meiji Sangyo around May/June 2023.
