Yamazaki buys Kobeya's packaged bread business

Aug 26 (NHK) - Japan's leading baked goods company, Yamazaki Baking, is buying the packaged bread business of a smaller rival, Kobeya Baking.

The two companies signed the deal on Friday.

The business will be transferred by the end of February, 2023. The size of the deal has not been disclosed. Kobeya will retain its restaurant chain and other businesses.

Yamazaki hopes to take advantage of Kobeya's assets to increase manufacturing efficiency and strengthen sales in western Japan.

Bread companies in the country have been hit hard by soaring material prices, as well as the declining population.

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