Japan: Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan’s leading beer-maker, is expected to reach a 20 % increase in pretax profit to a record of more than 85 billion yen (US$813.8 million) for the fiscal year 2004 ended December 31. The major beer company's sales are forecast to creep up 2 % to slightly more than 1.43 trillion yen, according to Asia In Focus.

Asahi Breweries' group operating profit is likely to increase 15-20 % to 90-95 billion yen (US$861-$909.8 million), well above its earlier forecast of 88 billion yen thanks to cost cuts and brisk sales of soft drinks. The profit growth is due to cost-cutting efforts and brisk soft drink sales. Asahi Breweries will announce its 2004 earnings results on February 15.

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