Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko is pleased to announce the acquisition, through Chubu/Hokuriku Region Vitalization Investment L.P. (“Chubu/Hokuriku Investment L.P.”), of SORA GROUP Co., Ltd. (http://www.sora-g.jp) (“SORA GROUP” or the “Company”).

SORA GROUP is a medium-sized, privately held Japanese restaurant operator with more than 30 restaurants, which include Japanese restaurants, pizzerias, Chinese restaurants, ramen (Japanese noodle) restaurants and bakeries, in Nagoya City and its vicinities. Its restaurants are popular among local clientele because of its quality food and attractive ambience.

NSSK will provide NSSK’s Value Up Program (“NVP”) to SORA GROUP to implement global best practices including accounting, finance, compliance and governance measures, more effective management, profitability enhancement with the acceleration of development of new restaurant formats and opening new restaurants. NSSK is sending directors to the Company and is partnering with SORA GROUP’s existing management team, who will continue to manage the Company.