Japan watchdog probes 4 major brewers over alleged beer price cartel

TOKYO - Japan's antitrust watchdog on Wednesday searched the offices of the country's four major brewers on suspicion of violating the antimonopoly law by forming a cartel to raise the prices of beer and beer-like drinks, a source familiar with the matter said.

It is the first compulsory investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission involving food and beverage companies, with Asahi Breweries Ltd., Kirin Brewery Co., Sapporo Breweries Ltd. and Suntory Spirits Ltd. targeted.