"Myanmar junta-linked firm applied to end Kirin brewery tie-up, state media reports" 24 November 2021

A Myanmar military conglomerate has applied to dissolve the brewery it runs together with Japanese beer giant Kirin Holdings Co., state media has said, as its once-popular drinks reel under a coup-inspired boycott.

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Lawyers for Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) "applied to dissolve Myanmar Brewery Limited on 19 November," state-backed newspaper Myanma Alin reported, without giving details on why the application had been made.

Kirin has a majority stake in Myanmar Brewery Limited in partnership with MEHL, a secretive military-controlled behemoth with tentacles in industries as diverse as beer, tobacco, transportation, textiles, tourism and banking.

Myanmar Brewery, whose beverages include its flagship and ubiquitous Myanmar Beer brand, had boasted a market share of nearly 80%, according to figures published by Kirin in 2018.

A court hearing for the application has been set for 10 December, the Myanma Alin report on Monday said, but the news appeared to catch Kirin unaware.

"We are aware of the official announcement in the government-run paper, but we have not been directly informed. We're currently checking the details," a Kirin spokeswoman said.

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Days after the coup Kirin said it would cut business ties with the military, accusing the junta of acting "in contradiction" to its principles on human rights.

It still plans to dissolve partnerships with companies linked to the military, but its stance on continuing local operations has not changed, the spokeswoman added.

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