Kirin and Suntory go back to being rivals

Suntory-Kirin merger is called off

In Summer 2009, the two Japanese beverage giants Suntory and Kirin announced a possible merger in preparation for greater international expansion.

Yet after six months of talks, the companies called off their merger plans yesterday at a press conference. Apparently the two beverage giants couldn't agree on details like the core merger share ratio and the valuation of Kirin's pharmaceutical business, Kyowa Hakko Kirin. (We know, right, a brewery that makes drugs: Awesome.)

We'd be happy if the merger talk meltdown meant more diversity among the companies' beer offerings. But if it just means more happoshu and third-category beer, well, maybe it's back to the negotiating table for those guys.

In other news

Ozawa and wife are billionaires: Kids, if you want to be really rich, go into Japanese politics. DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa and his wife, for example, own around ¥2 billion in assets. 

Soy products help reduce risk of lung cancer: So says a health ministry study group. You know what also helps? Not smoking.

Walkers and runners clash at the Imperial Palace: As the area around the Imperial Palace grounds becomes a popular jogging spot, there have been increased incidents of conflicts between strolling visitors and serious runners. We say, let's settle this with a competitive compromise: racewalking.