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TOKYO - THE Japanese operators of the Mister Donut and MOS Burger chains said on Wednesday they were teaming up to try to fend off tough industry competition.
Under the alliance, Mister Donut operator Duskin Co will buy a 4.1 per cent stake in Mos Food Services Inc, which in turn will take a 1.55 per cent share in its partner, according to a joint statement.
The two firms will begin talks on cooperation in sales promotion, the development of new menus, quality control, the purchase of cooking ingredients, distribution and outlet sharing.
They will also consider cooperation in overseas businesses particularly in Southeast Asia, and plan to map out details of the tie-up by May.
'The environment surrounding the restaurant industry remains severe as competition has intensified and customers' concerns about food safety have grown,' the statement said.
'By effectively utilising each other's strengths and business resources, we aim to raise our added value,' it said.
Mister Donut is the nation's largest donut chain operator. It was touched by growing concerns about food safety last year when it admitted to using out-of-date syrups in some of its fruit drinks.
MOS Food is Japan's second largest hamburger chain operator after McDonald's. -- AFP
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