The Carlyle Group said on Thursday it has invested in GGC Group, the owner of bean sprout brand “Meisui Bijin”.
Equity for the transaction came from Carlyle Japan Partners III, LP, a fund which closed in September.
“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, a managing director at Carlyle Japan, in a statement.
Carlyle says it plans to help Kyushu-headquartered GGC Group expand its presence in the pre-cut vegetable market in Japan and prepare for overseas expansion. The management of GGC Group, led by president and representative director Katsukiyo Mizumoto will continue to run the business.
“Having established a strong market position in western Japan, we are looking to further grow and develop our pre-cut vegetable business in Japan and expand our footprint globally," Mizumoto said in the statement.
Carlyle’s Japan buyout funds have made more than 20 investments in Japan.
