Ajinomoto Co., Inc. is looking for acquisition targets in both emerging and developed markets to enhance its expansion. Masatoshi Ito, President of the home of monosodium glutamate and aspartame, said, "We want to grow faster. To expand our range of products, it will be speedier to carry out mergers and acquisitions." Ajinomoto created a special team of less than 10 people in 2011 to identify potential acquisition targets and facilitate merger and acquisition activities. Ajinomoto is also planning to expand in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Masatoshi Ito said, "We think Myanmar has huge potential. The company's M&A strategy is different from the past, where most of the previous cases were brought to us. Now, we will approach companies ourselves."
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. specializes in the production and marketing of food and pharmaceutical products. Net sales break down by activity as follows:
- sale of food products (57%): seasonings (brands AJI-No-Moto and Hon-Dashi), mayonnaise (Pure Select), instant noodles, beverages, etc.;
- sale of frozen products (19.7%);
- other (23.3%).
AJINOMOTO CO., INC. 
