Tokyo, Oct 26 - Kirin Holdings Co will close two of its 11 beer factories in Japan by the end of 2012 to streamline operations ahead of its merger with Suntory Holdings Ltd, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday.
Kirin, locked in the fierce battle with Asahi Breweries for the top slot in Japan's beer market, has been in merger talks with unlisted Suntory to create one of the world's largest food and beverage companies.