Suntory,Kirin to approach anti-monopoly body-Nikkei

TOKYO, July 13 (Reuters) - Japanese brewer Suntory Holdings Ltd and rival Kirin Holdings Co (2503.T) are set to approach the country's fair trade commission as early as this week about their planned merger that would create one of the world's largest beverage and food firms, the Nikkei business daily said on Monday.

Unlisted Suntory said earlier that it was considering a merger with Kirin. [ID:nT16825]

A merger would put Kirin and unlisted Suntory on par in revenue terms with U.S.-based Kraft Foods and Pepsico Inc, and help the two gain clout in Japan's mature market. (Reporting by Mariko Katsumura)