The Carlyle Group’s Japan Partners III Fund has invested in Japanese beansprout supplier, GGC Group – the parent company of Kyushu GGC Ltd. Kyusu GGC is a leader in the beansprout market in western Japan, and its Meisui Bijin brand is the top selling brand of beansprout across the country.

 

“Bean sprouts are among the most popular items at supermarkets in Japan after milk and eggs, and have long been an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine,” said Kazuhiro Yamada, Managing Director of Carlyle Japan LLC. “With natural water resources and advanced production technologies and supply chain management, GGC Group is known for manufacturing safe and high-quality bean sprouts.”

 

Carlyle’s Japan buyout funds have completed more than 20 investments in mid-cap companies across Japan, fostering their geographic expansion, operations systems, and management. Through its investment in GGC Group, Carlyle will call upon its expertise on the commodities sector to support the company as its works to expand its market share in the pre-cut vegetable segment in Japan, as well as its pursuit for overseas expansion.

 

“As the No. 1 bean sprout manufacturer in western Japan, GGC Group is well-positioned for further growth and expansion,” said Yamada. “We are pleased to form this partnership, which we believe will enable GGC Group to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing pre-cut vegetable market in Japan and expand its business into overseas markets.”

 

Under the terms of the agreement, the current management team in place at GGC Group, led by President and Representative Director Mr. Katsukiyo Mizumoto, will continue to run the business.