Notice Regarding Business Transfer of Kao Corporation’s Tea-Catechin Beverage "Healthya"

TOKYO, February 1, 2024 - Kirin Beverage Company, Limited (CEO: Toru Yoshimura, hereafter “Kirin Beverage”), a group company of Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (CEO: Yoshinori Isozaki, hereafter “Kirin”) has decided to acquire the tea-catechin beverage “Healthya” business of Kao Corporation (CEO: Yoshihiro Hasebe, hereafter “Kao”), and concluded a business transfer agreement with Kao on February 1st , 2024.
After obtaining the necessary permits and approvals by both companies, we will begin production and sales of the tea-catechin beverage “Healthya” in August, 2024 (planned).

1. Background of Business Transfer

Under the Long-Term Management Vision, “the Kirin Group Vision 2027”, we are aiming at becoming a global leader in CSV*, creating value across our world of Food & Beverages to Pharmaceuticals. In order to achieve this goal, we are promoting the development of the Health Science domain, which contributes to people's health. Kirin Beverage, which operates a soft drink business, is also accelerating the transformation of its portfolio to the one with strength in Health Science. The tea-catechin beverage “Healthya” is a long-selling brand of health tea beverage and has been supported by many consumers. We have decided to take over the business in the belief that it will contribute to the acceleration of Kirin Beverage’s transformation. With this transfer, Kirin Beverage will further strengthen and expand its business in the Health Science domain, aiming to achieve high profitability.
* Creating Shared Value.

2. Overview of Business Transfer

Business related to five brands and eight product types (Food for Specified Health Use and Food with Function Claims) of Kao's Healthya brand tea-catechin beverages: Healthya (Green Tea Beverage), Healthya Umami Rich, Healthya Water, Healthya MyRhythm and Healthya Green Tea Powder.

3. Overview of Kao

Company:	Kao Corporation
Head Office:	1-14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Representative:	President and CEO Yoshihiro Hasebe
Capital:	85.4 billion yen

4. Schedule

Signing:	February 1st, 2024
Closing:	August 1st, 2024 (planned)