No.8977   2004. 12. 14

Suntory takes a stake in LEJAY LAGOUTE, French Liqueur manufacturer.

Suntory Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, President: Nobutada Saji) is to take a stake in Lejay-Lagoute (Lejay-Lagoute S.A.S, Head office: Dijon, France) and signed stock purchase and sale agreement with La Vigie (La Vigie, Head office: Lance, France), who is the share holder of Lejay-Lagoute, on the 13th of December (12:00pm, French Time). Suntory gained 35% of stock issued by Lejay-Lagoute and will participate in management of the company from January, 2005.

Lejay-Lagoute is one of the most established liqueur manufacturers in France, who is based on Dijon, France. One of its representative products, “Lejay”, has been loved by more than 50 countries around the world at the present, as for its quality and loyalty. It has established itself as one of the most popular imported liqueur brand, since its first sale by Suntory on the year of 1982.

Suntory gained long term distributorship for “Lejay” brand in Japan, and also its equity participation in Lejay Lagoute is aimed to promote “Lejay” brand on global basis through its overseas distributing network.

La Vigie owns and manages one of the most honorable wineries in Bourgogne region, “Bouchard Pére et Fils”, and also, one of the finest and biggest winery in Chablis region, “William Févre”. The owner of the company, The Henriots, highly evaluated Suntory Ltd. for its wide business launching in alcohol business around the world and also Suntory's long term perspective in branding cultivation in Japan, which led to the realization of this affiliation.

Suntory has started distributing “Bouchard Pére et Fils” and “William Févre” brands in Japan since 2003. Together with La Vigie as new business partner, Suntory also aims to achieve great development on Lejay-Lagoute as well.

Suntory has developed its foreign alcohol business since 1983, such as indulging in management of “Chateau Lagrange” (French Winery), and acquirement of “Louis Royer” (French Cognac / Liqueur manufacturer) and “Morison Bowmore” (UK, Scotch Whiskey). To expand its foreign alcohol business, Suntory aims to strengthen the distribution of varieties of foreign alcohol brands in domestic market in the future, such as through affiliation and acquisition of strong business partners.

• Profile of Lejay-Lagoute

• Profile of La Vigie

<About The Henriots>

The Henriots is a family of noble race in Champagne region, who have been following the business of champagne house from the beginning of 19th century. In 1995, they acquired Bouchard Pére et Fils and have focused on acquirement and management of dominant producers in other regions as well. Since then, they made a great deal of improvement in quality and also, in rebuilding and strengthening their brand power in the market.