Ligua and TBM to Launch 'Dr.Supporter' Products in Vietnam

Ligua Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth: 7090; President and Representative Director: Norihiko Kawase; hereinafter 'Ligua') and TBM Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Atsuyoshi Yamazaki; hereinafter 'TBM') announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GREEN HOLDING SPORT (Headquarters: Hanoi, Vietnam; Representative Director: TRỊNH ĐỨC TÂM; hereinafter 'GREEN HOLDING SPORT'), a major Vietnamese distribution company, to begin preparations for a full-scale entry into the Vietnamese market for products under Ligua's healthcare brand 'Dr.Supporter'.

【About Dr.Supporter】

'Dr.Supporter' is a brand of healthcare products made by processing IFMC. (Integrated Functional Mineral Crystal), a functional mineral derived from hot springs, into fabric. Centered on supporters that assist daily movements, these high-quality products support daily body care and performance maintenance during sports, and are used in osteopathic clinics nationwide. Since its launch in July 2021, the cumulative number of stores handling the brand has exceeded 2,000.

【About IFMC. (Integrated Functional Mineral Crystal)】

IFMC. (Integrated Functional Mineral Crystal) is a nanometer-level fine mineral crystal developed by Teikoku Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., inspired by hot spring therapy. It is used by professional athletes and many other sports enthusiasts, and is widely adopted in products aimed at supporting daily performance.

Furthermore, academic research has shown a relationship between IFMC. and blood nitric oxide, and a patent (No. 6557442) has been obtained. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to be involved in blood flow regulation through vasodilation and plays an important role in maintaining vascular function, attracting global attention in the medical and health fields.

This initiative is the first concrete collaboration project based on the capital and business alliance (including an investment from TBM to Ligua) signed between Ligua and TBM.

■ Background of Vietnam Entry

In recent years, the Vietnamese market has seen a significant increase in health awareness and a growing sports population, leading to expanding demand for high-quality Japanese healthcare and sports-related products. Against this backdrop, the companies decided to expand 'Dr.Supporter', Ligua's flagship product, overseas to maximize the synergy of their capital and business alliance.

■ Roles of Each Company

The roles of each company in this project are as follows:

・Ligua Inc.:

Development and supply of 'Dr.Supporter' products, including sports supporters processed with IFMC.

・TBM Co., Ltd.:

Support for Ligua's overseas expansion, including negotiations with GREEN HOLDING SPORT and research on local regulations, as well as import/export and transportation management of 'Dr.Supporter' from Japan to Vietnam.

・GREEN HOLDING SPORT:

Local sales agent developed through TBM's network. Leveraging its extensive experience as an agent for major Japanese sports brands and its strong sales network within Vietnam, it will sell products to local consumers.

■ Future Developments

Currently, based on the MOU signed by the three companies, they are advancing the establishment of a sales structure, formulation of marketing strategies, and confirmation of local permits and approvals. They plan to start general sales in Vietnam within the current fiscal year.

Ligua and TBM will continue to accelerate the global expansion of the 'Dr.Supporter' brand through their strong partnership based on the capital and business alliance, contributing to the health and prosperous lives of people worldwide.

【Company Overviews】

Ligua Inc.

Headquarters: 2-6-6 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Awajimachi Park Building 2nd Building

Established: 2004

Representative: President and Representative Director Norihiko Kawase

URL: https://ligua.jp/

Listed Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth

Business Description: The Ligua Group focuses on providing preventive healthcare and financial services, aiming to eliminate the two major anxieties in life – 'health' and 'money' – to create a society filled with 'Wellness Life' where everyone can be truly prosperous and positive.

TBM Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 15F, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Established: August 2011

Representative: Representative Director and CEO Atsuyoshi Yamazaki

URL: https://tb-m.com/

Business Description: Development of environmentally friendly materials, manufacturing and sales of products, and businesses promoting resource circulation.

CÔNG TY CP TẬP ĐOÀN XNK THƯƠNG MẠI & MÔI TRƯỜNG GREEN HOLDING - THỜI TRANG QUỐC TẾ

Company Introduction: CÔNG TY CP TẬP ĐOÀN XNK THƯƠNG MẠI & MÔI TRƯỜNG GREEN HOLDING - THỜI TRANG QUỐC TẾ is a company engaged in international import/export trade and environmental solutions. It is responsible for building global supply chains through the import and export of various goods across multiple countries, while also promoting environmentally conscious business for sustainable economic development. Leveraging its network of partner companies in various countries, it has a diverse portfolio including the distribution of eco-friendly materials and the development of business schemes that contribute to reducing environmental impact.