Establishment of a Representative Office in the United Arab Emirates

As a part of new market development for its international business, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. (President, Sumiya Hori) is scheduled to establish a representative office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April of 2007 in order to begin actual market studies with an eye toward business expansion in the Middle East.

Beginning with the UAE, research on the business environment―infrastructure, marketability, etc.―in countries in the region, such as Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and so on, will take place with an aim toward future business operations.

Starting with the UAE, the location for the planned representative office, the Gulf nations comprise a region which has seen remarkable growth, even within the context of the Middle East. Furthermore, looking at diets and the history of the food culture there as well, dairy products are widely accepted and Yakult Honsha thinks that the potential for a Probiotics market is considerable.

In 12 countries and regions in Asia/Oceania, 5 countries in North, Central and South America, and 9 countries in Europe, the international business of the Yakult Group sells Probiotic products, starting with its mainstay product, “Yakult,” in 26 countries and regions around the world. When domestic sales in Japan are also considered, every day 25 million customers across the globe maintain and improve their health by drinking our products. Moreover, sales are scheduled to begin in Italy this month, and preparations for sales and manufacture are progressing in both Vietnam and India.

In addition to further expanding our international business, by delivering our Probiotic products, starting with “Yakult,” to more and more people across the globe, our company also puts into practice our company philosophy of “contributing to the healthy and happy lives of people around the world.”

A summary of the establishment of a representative office in the UAE is as follows:

Summary

1. Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Name: The Yakult Honsha UAE Representative Office (temporary name)
3. Organization:
   In addition to the dispatch of employees from Yakult Honsha, the hiring of local staff members is planned.
4. Responsibilities:
   Business environment studies in Middle East countries for future business operations.
5. Planned Establishment: Scheduled for April 2007

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