Taiyo Bussan Exits Pizza Delivery Business and Appoints Takafumi Horie as Executive Director

Rapid Exit from Pizza Delivery Following Hidden Costs and Key Resignations

Taiyo Bussan Co., Ltd. announced on September 30, 2026, that it has resolved to sell all shares of its consolidated subsidiary, Ichigo Holdings Co., Ltd., and fully withdraw from the pizza delivery business. The entire 251 shares (100% voting rights) are being transferred to AI DINING Co., Ltd. for 650 million yen, with the share transfer agreement executed on the same day.

Taiyo Bussan initially entered the pizza delivery market by acquiring Ichigo Holdings as a wholly owned subsidiary on July 1, 2026. The company aimed to improve operating margins through food supply optimization, joint product development, and logistics efficiencies. However, unexpected temporary expenses and fixed costs exceeding the initial plan arose between the April agreement and the July effective date—developments that were not properly reported to Taiyo Bussan. Combined with key executive resignations at Ichigo Holdings, management determined that continuing the venture would compromise mid- to long-term corporate value.

The buyer, AI DINING, was designated by Masanori Kino, former representative director of Ichigo Holdings, following discussions regarding the divestment. Taiyo Bussan expects to record a gain on the sale of shares in subsidiaries as an extraordinary income.

Takafumi Horie Shifts to Executive Director to Drive Strategic Initiatives

In conjunction with the withdrawal, Taiyo Bussan announced that outside director Takafumi Horie has been reappointed as Executive Director, effective September 30, 2026.

Since joining as an outside director, Horie contributed to identifying new commercial products, introducing potential client partners, and advising on digital transformation. With the withdrawal from the pizza business, Taiyo Bussan requested that Horie take on operational leadership with executive responsibility, dedicating substantial time and resources to develop replacement business domains and accelerate growth across existing operations.