Press Releases

TOKYO, JAPAN, January 30, 2012 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC., Japan’s leading mobile operator and provider of integrated services centered on mobility, LAWSON, INC., one of the largest Japanese convenience store chains, and Radishbo-ya Co., Ltd., Japan’s premium home-delivery service for organic and preservative-free foods, announced today plans for business and capital alliances in connection with completion of DOCOMO’s intended acquisition of Radishbo-ya’s outstanding common shares and stock acquisition rights through a public tender offer, which was stated in a separate announcement today.

The agreements attempt to create strong business synergy among the three companies by leveraging their respective assets and business know-how, aiming to capitalize on Japanese consumers’ growing demands for food safety and environmental awareness.

Under the envisioned agreements, LAWSON will acquire a maximum 20% ownership of Radishbo-ya and will provide a representative director to Radishbo-ya’s board of directors.

The share acquisition by LAWSON will follow DOCOMO’s conversion of Radishbo-ya into a wholly owned subsidiary. The agreement also is contingent on LAWSON’s internal approvals.

The business tie-up is expected to enhance Radishbo-ya’s logistical capabilities by merging Radishbo-ya’s and LAWSON’s respective expertise in logistics, and by increasing distribution efficiencies through the establishment of a joint distribution system, which DOCOMO will support with advanced mobile technologies and know-how.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO is a world-leading mobile operator that is in transition into an Integrated Service Company placing mobility at the core. The company serves over 59 million customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world’s first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit www.docomo.ne.jp/english for more information.

About LAWSON

LAWSON, INC. operates chains of convenience stores under the name of LAWSON Group. As of December 31, 2011, the company had 10,427 stores in nationwide and 362 overseas stores. The company has been aggressively engaged customer base by targeting from young male customers to female and senior citizens in accordance with the nation’s demographic trends. The new store formats include NATURAL LAWSON which offers health conscious organic foods and LAWSON STORE100 which deals with small portions of vegetables, dairy and fresh products. LAWSON has stressed disciplined cash flow management and increase in emphasized shareholders’ return through sustainable dividend growth. LAWSON(2651) is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange and the Osaka securities exchange. Please visit www.lawson.co.jp for more information.

About Radishbo-ya

“Radish Boya”, Radishbo-ya Co., Ltd.’s natural and organic food home delivery service, began operation in January 1988. Currently, Radish Boya makes weekly deliveries of about 8,000 items to 105,000 households throughout Japan, making it one of the nation's largest distributors of natural & organic farm products.
With contracts with over 2,600 producers and annual sales of ¥22 billion, we are a major supporter of ecological farmers and processed natural food manufacturers in Japan.
Radish Boya is not a cooperative, but a unique membership organization firm that promotes “face to face” communication between food producers and consumers.