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Kirin to spark Cadbury war
04.08.08
Japan's Kirin Brewing is set to spark a bidding war for Cadbury's soft drinks business in Australia.
Local reports suggest Kirin is preparing an offer that would pit it against Coca-Cola Amatil, the US drinks giant's main Aussie licensee. Amatil has signalled it will bid for the Schweppes business in australia when it goes on sale later this year but may face tough competition hurdles.
The company, which also produces its own soft drinks and mineral waters, already holds about 60% of the market.
Kirin spokeswoman Marina Totsuka could not make "any specific comment".
Cadbury chief executive Todd Stitzer said last week in London that the Australian drinks unit, which has annual sales of about £300 million and a market share of about 25%, is under review. Analysts say Cadbury might fetch a$860 million (£405.0 million). After the demerger of Cadbury Schweppes in the US, australia is the only country where Cadbury has a combined beverage and confectionery business.
