Meanwhile, naturalBeat operates stores that efficiently provide so-called "slow food," food that is eaten every day, such as sandwiches and delicatessen items. This food is individually handmade from ingredients with value placed on their natural taste, meaning that the company refrains as much as possible from using artificial additives. The main shareholder in naturalBeat is the Lotte Group. naturalBeat also has a subsidiary called Wholesome Co., Ltd., which offers bakery items based on the concept of providing healthy food.

The aim of the alliance between LAWSON and naturalBeat is to utilize each other's corporate brands, customer bases, expertise and other assets to help customers lead healthier and richer lives.

NATURAL LAWSON has opened stores in collaboration with naturalBeat in the past. However, the alliance announced today will expand on this initiative while at the same time promoting initiatives in the bakery field in association with naturalBeat subsidiary Wholesome.

LAWSON and naturalBeat decided to also form an equity-based alliance as they see it as a way of further cementing cooperation between the two companies and achieving greater speed in all initiatives.

2.Overview of the Alliance
(1) Details of the Business Alliance
1. Development of naturally tasting foods people can enjoy on a regular basis
Develop products for NATURAL LAWSON stores utilizing naturalBeat's expertise in making sandwiches, soups, gelato, muffins and other foods that emphasize the taste of the ingredients.

2. NATURAL LAWSON freshly baked bread products and technical cooperation
Provide healthier and more delicious bakery products inside NATURAL LAWSON stores by using the products and technical expertise of Wholesome, which has established a strong reputation among a wide range of customers of all ages for everything from simple bread made from Wholesome's ingredients to innovative Japanese-style bakery items.

3.Expand sales of naturalBeat original products
In addition to Rooibos tea, which has won strong support from customers, expand sales of naturalBeat original products sold in NATURAL LAWSON stores.

4.Open more collaborative stores
Push ahead with the development of collaborative stores that tap the strengths of both NATURAL LAWSON and naturalBeat.

(2) Details of the Equity Investment
LAWSON plans to purchase more than one-third of natural Beat shares for approximately 0.35 billion yen on February 22.