Saint Marc Holdings is acquiring the TsuruTonTan udon restaurant business from Kato Pleasure Group for ¥12.8 billion. The company aims to expand its directly operated stores in Japan and develop its inbound tourism and overseas businesses, but faces challenges including maintaining the brand and adapting it to overseas markets.
Saint Marc Holdings announced that it will acquire the TsuruTonTan business operated by Kato Pleasure Group. The acquisition price is ¥12.8 billion, and the company aims to complete the transaction in December 2026. The business covered includes directly operated stores in Japan, overseas franchises, and the manufacture and sale of noodles and gift products, among others. The business being transferred generated approximately ¥6.135 billion in sales.
TsuruTonTan is a brand known for its large bowls, wide-ranging menu and focus on dashi broth. It enjoys high recognition in Japan, but has a limited store network of 13 locations. Saint Marc Holdings has indicated that it plans to use its ability to open stores and its network for sourcing properties, along with its existing expertise in chain expansion, to enter regions where it has no presence.
Through the acquisition, Saint Marc Holdings aims to accelerate the expansion of its store network in Japan and overseas, leveraging its track record in international expansion to drive growth. At the same time, striking a balance between preserving the TsuruTonTan brand experience and adapting it to local markets will be important. The company is targeting inbound tourism demand and the overseas expansion of Japanese food culture, with further growth in the number of overseas stores also under consideration.