Japan competition authority raids Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin, Suntory over alleged beer price-fixing cartel

Japan's competition watchdog raided the premises of four major brewers—Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin, and Suntory—over alleged price-fixing. The companies confirmed the searches, but the scope and evidence of the alleged cartel remain undisclosed. This marks a significant antitrust enforcement action in Japan's concentrated beer market, potentially leading to fines and market disruption.