Suntory Food & Beverage is to hold off on acquisitions for the next year, its CEO has said in an interview.

Chief executive and president Nobuhiro Torii told Bloomberg the listed Suntory unit, which in September struck a deal to buy the Lucozade and Ribena brands from GlaxoSmithKline, will focus on existing operations. Torii also said he wants to integrate past deals.

Speaking about acquisitions, Torii said today (6 December): “I don’t think we have enough capacity or ability to pursue another opportunity at this point. At least I have to take a break for 12 months. If we deliver the plan in the next year, then our financial capability will grow.”

Suntory Food & Beverage raised US$3.9bn in an IPO in October. The company, which is the soft drinks and food unit of Suntory Holdings, had said it will use part of the money to buy overseas targets. 

Torii also said Suntory Food & Beverage must stabilise its business and strengthen existing operations ahead of a sales tax increase in Japan in April. Torii said the increase, from 5% to 8% will intensify competition in the country.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.