Kirin Holdings will acquire Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand Fancl for around ¥220 billion ($1.39 billion) as part of an effort to reduce its reliance on beer.
The Japanese brewer made an offer of ¥2,690 per share — a 40% premium on Fancl’s closing price of ¥1,916.5 on Tuesday, the day before the proposal was made — to acquire the two-thirds of shares that it doesn’t already own. It’s a 43% premium on Fancl’s Thursday closing price.
The acquisition will enable more "flexible and drastic measures” to integrate the two companies and maximize their corporate values, Kirin said in a statement.
Kirin also bought Australian vitamins maker Blackmores for about ¥170 billion last year, as its push to diversify from the beer business intensifies. The company has set itself a goal of ¥500 billion in annual sales, with the health business to contribute about a fifth of sales.
Japan’s alcohol companies are trying to rely less on their original products for revenue. Kirin’s competitor and Japan’s biggest brewer, Asahi Group Holdings, is planning to have low- and nonalcohol drinks make up 20% of its total volume by 2030.
Kirin has developed teas and yogurts with immunity-boosting ingredients, as well as supplements for health issues such as sleep and visceral fat. Other companies are also eyeing a shift into health and wellness, with Fujifilm Holdings, known for its photography business, making medical examination devices using its existing film expertise.