Japanese brewer Suntory said yesterday it was considering options including a merger with larger rival Kirin, which would create one of the world’s largest beverage and food firms.

Kirin and unlisted Suntory are in talks to merge under a holding company, seeking to strengthen their operations in a mature Japanese market and accelerate expansion into growing overseas markets, the Nikkei business daily said.

Kirin spokesman Mitsutake Matano declined comment on the possibility of a merger, repeating a statement that, while Kirin was working with Suntory on procurement, distribution and other business activities, nothing had been decided.

The merged firm would be the largest player in the Japanese beer and soft- drink markets and one of the biggest globally. – (Reuters)