A long-rumored alliance between UniPresident (China) and Nissin Hualong has finally come to pass, The Beijing News reports. The deal, which establishes the joint venture company Jinmailang Beverage (Beijing), brings together in the beverage market the top three competitors in instant noodles. According to Hualong president Fan Xianguo, the 600 million yuan registered capital of Jinmailong will be split 50-50 between UniPresident and Nissin Hualong. Nissin will assume 1/3 of this responsibility, with Hualong taking on the other 2/3. Total investment in the joint venture will amount to 1.8 billion yuan. New Jinmailong beverages will go on sale in March. Sales of 1 billion yuan are expected this year, to be increased to 10 billion by 2015. The Jinmailong brand name, which UniPresident has used for instant noodles, may be further expanded in the future to encompass fast food and other consumer products.Link: http://economy.thebeijingnews.com/0392/2006/0220/012@161618.htm