No.9917   September 7. 2007

Suntory to Invest in Thai Beverage Company
Tipco F&B Co. for Business Ties
— Suntory Expands Soft Drink Business in Southeast Asia —

Suntory Limited will invest in Tipco F&B, Co., involved in production and sales of soft drinks in Thailand. Suntory concluded an agreement with the parent company and sole shareholder, Tipco Foods (Thailand) Public Company, Ltd., on September 6, 2007. As a result of the partnership, Suntory will own a 50% stake in Tipco F&B Co.

The investment represents an agreement between Suntory, aiming for expansion in the growing soft drink market in Southeast Asia, and Tipco Foods, which seeks further business expansion. Through Tipco F&B Co., the companies will jointly develop soft drink businesses in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Tipco F&B Co., established in 1989 in Bangkok, has marketed 100% fruit juice beverages under the Tipco brand since 1993. By building a strong brand, the company has attained the top share of the juice market in Thailand at present.

Looking ahead, the companies will continue marketing juice under the Tipco brand while so-called "functional beverages" and tea will be sold under the Suntory brand in plans as the companies expand business in Southeast Asia.

Tipco F&B

▼	Company name	Tipco F&B Co., Ltd.
▼	Headquarters	Bangkok, Thailand
▼	Managing director	Viwat Limsakdakul
▼	Established	1989
▼	Employees	825 (as of March 2007)
▼	Business area	Soft drink manufacturing and sales
▼	Sales	5.3 billion yen (2006; exchange rate: 1 baht = 3.5 yen)